Is a FSB a "full size" Jeep, such as the 4.2 Litre models that preceeded the XJ ?

A fellow that was into XJ sold them and got the earlier model, as I think they have minimal electronics, and are somewhat larger

An XJ has sensors and a computer that eventually may become a problem

imo XJ are cheap for what you get, and very long-lasting, but not cheap on fuel!

 

FSB is Full Size Bronco (78-96). Right now I'm deciding between an XJ and a 80-86 Bronco. The Bronco, for the years I'm looking at has fewer electronics, IFS (TTB), taller cargo area and IMO has the cool factor. The XJ is likely going to have a lower cost of ownership due to a likely lower purchase price, slightly better parts availability and better gas mileage.

*EDIT* I know IFS is not popular in the 4x4 world but for what I am looking at a rig for, it is preferable. I won't be doing any serious off roading, mud bogging or rock hopping. I am looking for something that can handle washboard roads and IFS is just better at this than solid. I actually eliminated the Blazer and Ram Charger from my search because they are solid on leaf. I am assuming the solid on multi-link, XJ, is a step up from that, as I know the IFS is. Again this is for my application, I'm not trying to start a flame war as we all know the solid on multi-link is better for general off-roading.

 

Ultimately you should get what you want as it's your money and you'll be driving the vehicle. We're going to be biased towards XJ's and most of us feel there's a significant "cool factor" in the XJ - not to take away from any other vehicle - again it's just a preference.

On a washboard type of road, an IFS will be a smoother ride - assuming you're comparing a fully functioning system to a fully functioning system (in other words, if the IFS doesn't have worn out parts or a compromised mounting structure). However the XJ is still not too bad over this type of road if the suspension parts are in good shape and, of course, the solid axle excels at any rougher/rockier terrain.

 

That is what I was guessing. I know the solid on leaf, my dads old CJ5/7, is just plain bad on washboard but figured the XJ's solid on multi-link is probably a step up from that. I appreciate you confirming this though as I've never actually driven an XJ. And I agree, all above is based on properly functioning and not worn out front end.

 

Take the one you're considering for a test drive. You can't really appreciate the XJ until you've actually driven one. They're best with a stick shift (in my opinion).

 

+1
Manual is definitely preferred no matter what make/model I end up with.

 

While the manual is more fun i most situations in really technical off road situations an auto makes life so much easier. And the AW4 is pretty solid auto trans.

 

for some reason, never seen a 4.0 that is NOT auto over here

auto is much nicer for city or stop start traffic, or in off-road situations, going uphill

 

As someone who owned a FSB and now has an XJ, they are quite a bit different, and they both have positives and negatives. Both have a strong following that will lend support when problems arise, (though slightly more from the Jeep community). 4WD prowess is near legendary from both, and they should be more than adequate for your needs.

The Bronco may seem like it has substantially more cargo space, but without the rear seat down, the difference isn't that substantial. The Bronco will also use gas like it has a hole in the tank, especially at highway speeds. Parts are pretty easy to source, and the reliability of the Ford 5.0/5.8 and AOD, (or is it the C6) trans are certainly damn good. The IFS will probably handle washboard roads better. Also, the prices on Bronco's are going sky high, so that's another thought.

The XJ will definitely fit places better than the Bronco, on and off road. Where I live, most of the parking spots have shrunk in recent years to accommodate more p.o.s. tiny cars in a lot, and an XJ fits nicely. (In college, the damn spots were so small that one time, I had to crawl through the back window of my Bronco to get in. The BMW & Acura owners parked on either side of me decided that they needed some of my space as well.) The XJ will also get better gas mileage, and the 4.0 & AW4 will last a long while. The cargo area is decent sized, a bit bigger than the cargo area of the new Cherokee. You should probably be able to fit a decent sized reloading setup in the back of the XJ.

Also, either vehicle you decide on, try to find one that isnt rusted and in generally good condition. Don't rush, because the better car you start with, the better it will be. The rust seems to be the thing that gets expensive unless you can repair it yourself.

Let us know what you end up with.

 

In my case this rings true. If costed I would have had to spend a lot of my welding.

 

You make some very good points and definitely food for thought. Based on what I'm seeing on CL in my area I figure the Bronco will have roughly a $1000 higher purchase price to get one that runs well and has little to no rust vs a similarly conditioned XJ. I agree, rust is a major factor. For that reason I bought a mig welder and have been playing around trying to teach myself how to weld but I'm certainly not ready to weld a replacement panel and don't know if I ever will be.

 

I'm sure if you put the time and effort in you'll get the hang of welding. I'd say it's easier to practice with some thicker steel then move down to thinner on thicker then thin on thin. Once you know how to set up the welder for your application, mig is rather easy to get the hang of.