Hello all ive been looking into cherokee's and 4runners to replace my F250 due to terrible MPG(10) and looking to make a few bucks off of the truck. So I'm looking into a 4x4 smaller vehicle for a DD.
What I kind of want is about 17+ MPG during my daily driving which includes to and from work (5 days a week) which is 10 miles away and just around town but not over 4 or 5 miles a day. Also wanting to put 32 or 33 A/T on and maybe a roof rack and replacement bumper if i can find one cheap, if not I will make one but dont have a ton of time. So is it plausible to get above the stated MPG, I'm light footed when DD, and about how much would it cost to put a rig together including lift, tires, gears if needed, etc.? Trying to get under 7 or 8k. Any input or advice on this would be awesome and if its possible to get out this cheap is realistic. Thanks!

edit: Also I'm an engineer so i can pretty much install any body lifts or anything that requires a knowledge of mechanics if this helps

 

Yes and it would be simple. 2k for the Jeep tune up with K&N and E3 plugs about 250 high estimate. Bumper 400 rack 400-600. Lift 700-900, rims and tires used almost new 1000 max. If you don't get the MPG's you want regear the front axle not sure of price and rear axle 8.8 out of a JY with 4.10's for 150-300. If you know of a welder or welding shop draw up bumper and rack and save some $. Rough estimate all around but possible.

 

Don't bother with the e3 plugs they are just a bunch of shenanigans. And just fyi no body lifting these things they are unibody. But yes if you are willing to put money into it a bit the mileage could be entirely doable. Just keep in mind that all the lifting and tires and racks and stuff could rape your mileage quick if you don't pay attention to the things that can help you increase it.

 

So I was thinking a 3 or 4.5 and 32 BFG AT/KO or duratracs which i have on my truck, what would I need to boost the MPG?

 

First off jeeps are unibody so no body lifts! If you've been looking you know you'll have no problem finding a late model XJ for around 3k-4k. Bumpers run anywhere from $300-$800. Tire price all depend on your choice of size & aggression. Regearing to say 4.10:1 ratio for 33" tires should bring your mpg back to normal, but cost of regearing is gonna run you $1200-$1500. Last but not least the lift anywhere from 2"-6.5" $150-$1200! You got some research to do, but I know one thing for sure the XJ will out live & out perform the 4 runner every day of the week!

Good luck

 

Can't go wrong with a 98-99 Cherokee, the 00-01 Cherokees have cylinder head problems, a low pinion front axle, and coil on plug ignition system. The Cherokee will get better MPG than a 4Runner, but not by much. A cherokee is easier and cheaper to repair, cheaper to lift, and better off road bone stock than a mildly lifted 4Runner. No IFS, more torque, better looking, and just as reliable as the 4Runner (maybe even more so). You should have no problems finding a solid XJ for what you're willing to spend. But don't limit yourself to the XJ, the 93-98 Grand Cherokee is a very good choice too for a daily driver, and could be modded to be a very good off roader with more comfort and more room. Welcome to the sickness.