bravododger

*Did a search for this and didn't see anything*

In you're opinion. What is the best bang for buck 4x4. Just to make this simple. I'll include a left and right range limit. No Jeeps, and nothing so rare the average Joe can't find or afford one. My thought is the answers will be somewhat reigonal. My vote would be a 90's K5 Blazer. They are around a grand now and with a V8 and freakish aftermarket support, good if not great axles, NP241 and 700r4 I dont see how you could go wrong. Not to mention readily available parts for every peice of it. And just the right size for wheelin. Thoughts?

Yes I said BAND for buck, lol. Please dont talk about Kenny G =)

Irongrave

other then the XJs (soild axles huge support and cheep)

next would be toyota mini trucks ie anything pre 2005, other then the frame issue they have great axles even for an IFS rig, HUGE support gears, doublers ext and they fit on most of the trails up here

bravododger

OK Irongrave. Im quite bored, and this is just for arguments sake. But, I can't picture a Yota being better bang for buck than a K5. Put a similar lift, lockers and tires on a K5 and the described Yota (a basic wheeling setup) and im sure the K5 would be faster, better in the rocks, snow, sand and hold up better over time than the Yota. Given the Yota is going to be half a ton lighter you cant argue with a SB 350 around 255hp 350tq. Am I wrong?

Irongrave

K5s are bigger dont fit as nicely on the trails here, they are top heavy. Also here rust free K5s are few and far between and are normally basket cases. Where as late model toyotas run around 3000 and change and you get better fuel mileage and with 33s and a rear locker I've watched them run trails most guys in K5s wouldn't touch. Again its more the tight north east trails being a big factor.

Not saying K5s are bad just that IMo you get more for your money in a toyota for a dual purpose DD trail rig in the north east.

i still think the XJ offers more for the money then either one

bravododger

Ill buy that for a dollar. Good points. Ive had little exposure to Yotas of any type. I honestly dont think Ive ever ridden in one and sure havent saw one on a trail. Being from a GM town a lot of guys still wouldnt be caught dead in a foreign vechile of any kind. I said earlier this might end up as a regional thing. Totally agree about the XJ comment though. Thanks...

countryboy215

International Scout

Ianf406

how bout a forerunner? they are way cheap nowdays and i have seen alot of nice jacked up ones do great on the trails (same basic aftermarket as xjs)

OttawaXJ

+1 Great vehicles.

Another good one is Ford Broncos and Rangers. Engines are somewhat under powered compared to the 4L's awesomeness but aftermarket support is decent, they have good wheel base, can fit down all trails and with an SAS they are extremely capable.

OverEasy

Suzuki Samurai.

Huge aftermarket support, great on gas (even when built), cheap to buy, ALL of the parts are affordable and still can be found, small and nimble, easy to modify, did I mention GREAT ON GAS?

All of the above is why I got mine. Also traded a K5 on 42s for it. Got it stock and went from there.

Bustedback

Toyota mini up to 87, 85 was the last year for the solid front axle. But a solid axle swap is very simple on the Toyota. They have a perfect wheel base, sit high from the factory, as reliable as can be, huge aftermarket support, and flex really well if done correctly. The down side is: They're kind of cramped unless you have an extracab, head gaskets can fail if you over heat the engine, the timing chain will eat through the timing cover if you let it go too long on the 4 cylinder, the V6 is weak and tend to blow head gaskets if you fart and snap your fingers at the same time, and a decent truck is hard to find for a good price and low miles.

90XJkid

I had a '84 solid axle Yota on 36s. I was driving it over to a guys house for the final day of welding on the frame when the engine threw a rod through the block.

Parted it out.

A year later got the XJ. Still have it six years later.

Z71Gladiator

I have to agree on the suzuki samurai. Very nice little 4x4 and solid axles. Only problem I have with them is the small engine.

OverEasy

You can build it (like I did, I went from like 60 hp to a whopping 115. plus gearing.) or swap in a 1.6 efi, VW tdi . . . options are everywhere!

I really, honestly think it is the best bang for the buck.

Z71Gladiator

I also see there is a kit out there for a 4.3L chevy v6 swap that would be awesome but really expensive.

OverEasy

Now that, you would really need to do some changing. LOL! But as far as buying, lightly (cheap) modding. Having fun while still keeping coin in your pocket.... Samurai fits the bill!