Thinking about getting a new rig to replace the XJ

1

1911Shooter

NAXJA Forum User
Location
San Diego, CA
I'm thinking about replacing my '89 XJ with a new vehicle. It's built up for rock crawling with a 6" Rubicon SuperFlex lift, 33" tires, trimmed fenders, front and rear lockers and more. The original idea when I bought and modified it ten years ago was that I'd tow it from place to place rather than drive it. It's intended use was always exploring, not simply for taking trails just to off-road.

So now I find that I need to drive it from place to place to explore. For most of the trips I do now it's just not practical to tow it. It drives okay but the things I'd put up with ten years ago bug the heck out of me now.

With all that in mind I'm looking for suggestions on a suitable replacement. I'd love to get a Wrangler but to haul my friends and our gear it would have to be a four door Unlimited. I'd rather not spend that kind of money for a spare car that I'm going to beat on in the desert. Still, I'm looking for deals and I'm wondering if it's better to pay more for a Rubicon or buy a base model and modify it to suit my needs?

I'm also looking at non-Jeeps. I see a number of already lifted 90's Broncos and two door Tahoes out there. They're a little bigger than I'd like but still not too big. I'm not very familiar with the in's and out's of these models either (but I'm doing research at a furious pace). I'm open to any other model people would like to suggest as well.

Thanks for any and all advice!
 
if your looking at full size might take a look see at the dodge ramcharger. if you get one pre 81 its a full top convertible.
 
Had a K5 blazer just a little too big for me.

maybe a WJ or a ZJ is what i would go after.

or Id look into a late model tacoma or nissan (xterra or truck) maybe a four door as well.
 
I've seen a number of Xterra's for sale. I'd have to do a lot of research to see what it would take to get something like that trail ready. I'd need to fit at least 33" tires with a suspension (and gears) to match. Lockers would be a real consideration as well.

I guess a Grand Cherokee would be an improvement comfort wise and still capable off-road. One with a solid front axle would be best but then you start talking about an older vehicle again.
 
I would get a Hemi Commander and lift it. Yep, I know its IFS but they flex nice lifted and the QD2 system is unstoppable. Its small enough to wheel tight trails yet large enough to tow another rig to the trails. We have one and love it!

Not my rig, just a pic I found of a lifted XK.
DSC_0061.jpg
 
well i know its diff from the bronko in the fact its got a solid front axle instead of the funky independent solid that ford used

as aposed to shevy, its a mopar thing you might not understand lol
 
I second that. COMMANDER FTW. My brother in law brought one home one day that he was working on and they are bad ass. They are very comfortable and lots of room inside even in the back seats!
I have also considered a 02+ Grand Cherokee. I think they look sick lifted.
 
If you settle on a Wrangler, go ahead and spring for the Rubicon. The lockers, 4.10 gears, skids, and low range are worth the cost difference. You could maybe build the same capabilities for less if you can do all the work yourself. Plus, if you buy a used bone stock Rubicon in LA(or any other city, for that matter), there's probably a 75% chance it's never seen dirt.
 
stay with what ya know (dodge/mopar power) as the jeep (as far as i know) is still OWNED by Chryco.
as for the ramcharger vs. k5 vs bronco..... never dealt with one (but wanted one), bronco, couldn't even pull my (at the time) car (79 chrysler lebaron) off a tree. only thing on the tree was the d.s. bumper. (hit it doin about 25 mph).
as for the ramcharger, had an 85 with the 318, bone stock with 31's & turned a black man white in it!!! lmao funniest thing i ever seen. never got stuck anywhere in it either.... 'cept maybe if ya count gettin "stuck" (a forced move) in the city.
down side to all three of them.... only came in 2 door versions. i'm kinda partial to havin 4 doors, don't ask.
 
tbburg said:
If you settle on a Wrangler, go ahead and spring for the Rubicon. The lockers, 4.10 gears, skids, and low range are worth the cost difference. You could maybe build the same capabilities for less if you can do all the work yourself. Plus, if you buy a used bone stock Rubicon in LA(or any other city, for that matter), there's probably a 75% chance it's never seen dirt.
Click to expand...

excellent suggestion....
 
If I don't stay with my current Green Junk platform forever, my choices would probably be:

Light trails/camping: XJ platform
Vehicle based buggy: Extended cab Ranger
Buggy: pile of tube
 
The WJ was made until I think 04, so not brand new, but only 6 yrs old or so. I've driven the XTerra through a wash at a decent speed and was quite impressed with the way it handled itself. The suspension is stiff, but not harsh. It keeps it planted on the street and absorbs minor whoops and such fairly well. The engine is a powerhouse, 4.0L V6 with almost 280hp :eek:, It's my dream rig, if I could afford an 07ish+.
 
MoparManiac said:
Dodge Ramcharger or Plymouth Trailduster...

:drool:
Click to expand...
Dude, you need to stop posting that. Every time you do, my wallet screams bloody murder. DAMMIT! :roflmao:

(I was looking for a K5 blazer, bronco, dodge ramcharger, or a wrangler when I found my XJ. Would have looked at traildusters too but did not know they existed...)
 
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