Wheeling General Discussion

[Kloubek]

Anybody interested in going out in the next weekend or two? Just put lift and tires on my Grand Cherokee and would love to see what it can do....

[firebane]

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Anybody interested in going out in the next weekend or two? Just put lift and tires on my Grand Cherokee and would love to see what it can do....

What year?

[Kloubek]

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What year?

2005 - WK. Not as good as the WJ or ZJs offroad with their solid axle, but I have a feeling it will be pretty capable anyway.

Nobody interested? Being this is my first run out, I intend on going on relatively easy runs so even those without monster trucks can attend as long as they have the standard recovery points, etc.

I'd rather not resort to getting involved in the politics that is the Calgary Jeep Association, so I have my feelers out for a run on Untitled Offroad Forum this coming weekend, and it'd be cool to have a couple of Beyonders come with...

[flipstah]

Hi peeps,

I've been browsing around FB and been tempted to do a budget overland/wheeling rig. Toyota tax is ridiculous so not going down that path. Just inquiring if central lock is critical, which may limit my options:

- 2005 Nissan Xterra/Pathfinder/Armada
- 199x Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe
- 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2005 F-150 FX4

Not looking to rock crawl; just mud here and there.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

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Hi peeps,

I've been browsing around FB and been tempted to do a budget overland/wheeling rig. Toyota tax is ridiculous so not going down that path. Just inquiring if central lock is critical, which may limit my options:

- 2005 Nissan Xterra/Pathfinder/Armada
- 199x Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe
- 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2005 F-150 FX4

Not looking to rock crawl; just mud here and there.

Out of that list I would get the Xterra (with rear locker) or a GC. What kind of budget are you looking for?

[Doozer]

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Hi peeps,

I've been browsing around FB and been tempted to do a budget overland/wheeling rig. Toyota tax is ridiculous so not going down that path. Just inquiring if central lock is critical, which may limit my options:

- 2005 Nissan Xterra/Pathfinder/Armada
- 199x Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe
- 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2005 F-150 FX4

Not looking to rock crawl; just mud here and there.

Ha, it's funny because I just looked at almost all of those. I was surprised that the Xterra's (I mostly looked at 03/04 so not sure about the 05) didn't have leather or heated seats. I wanted something that was easy to wipe down after the dog or kids got it muddy.

Ended up jumping the shark with a Volvo XC90 because I came across a pretty good deal. No 4-low, but AWD with high approach & departure angles, perfect for some light mudding and overlanding, plus a few extra creature comforts built in.

Bssed on what you said, I'd probably echo Twin Cam and lean to the XTerra, but I'm curious what you find. Once you decide let me know and we can go test them out together!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I recently picked up another 3rd Gen 4Runner and would like to get out. I’m missing a rear tow point currently though which is an issue.

[flipstah]

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Out of that list I would get the Xterra (with rear locker) or a GC. What kind of budget are you looking for?

Cheap Asian budget so whatever number you think of; half that.
@Doozer my parents have an XC90 and it runs like a beast. Love it!

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Who I would I be If I didn't tell people to buy ZJs? Buy a V8 ZJ. Move to the trailer park. Use it to visit your parole officer. Or go camping, whatever.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Who I would I be If I didn't tell people to buy ZJs? Buy a V8 ZJ. Move to the trailer park. Use it to visit your parole officer. Or go camping, whatever.

You could even get a dog to drive it.
The options are limitless.

[flipstah]

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Who I would I be If I didn't tell people to buy ZJs? Buy a V8 ZJ. Move to the trailer park. Use it to visit your parole officer. Or go camping, whatever.

Next to the Xterra, ZJ is the logical option. How’s yours going? I don’t want to lift it; just want to slap on som AT or mud tires and use em.

ZJ is also dirt cheap from what I can see.

[firebane]

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Next to the Xterra, ZJ is the logical option. How’s yours going? I don’t want to lift it; just want to slap on som AT or mud tires and use em.

ZJ is also dirt cheap from what I can see.

You either get a good one or a bad one. Rocker rust is real. Noisy rear ends is a possibility. Be aware of the issues with the intake on the v8 engines. Low pinion front ends isn't a bad thing but can cause issues if really going off road.

They are great machines and I do miss mine some days.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I picked up a pretty nice 4Runner with E Locker and two sets of wheels and tires locally for $6k last month, felt like an ok deal based on Covid prices. I was really interested Xterras too.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

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Next to the Xterra, ZJ is the logical option. How’s yours going? I don’t want to lift it; just want to slap on som AT or mud tires and use em.

ZJ is also dirt cheap from what I can see.

Mine is great, anything that breaks is usually my fault for bouncing it off rocks. They have some weak points if you start throwing big tires on them, but realistically a cheap 2" spacer lift and 31s are easy and well within the capabilities of the drivetrain. V8s have a stronger drivetrain than the 4.0L.

Realistically the youngest ZJ is 23 years old, how well it's been maintained will be the most important thing.

[flipstah]

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Mine is great, anything that breaks is usually my fault for bouncing it off rocks. They have some weak points if you start throwing big tires on them, but realistically a cheap 2" spacer lift and 31s are easy and well within the capabilities of the drivetrain. V8s have a stronger drivetrain than the 4.0L.

Realistically the youngest ZJ is 23 years old, how well it's been maintained will be the most important thing.

From all the listings I've seen, the ZJ owners are alright. The Cherokee owners are the sketchy ones. There's a green ZJ for 1500$ in Okotoks.

Maybe I should just find a money pit Land Rover again.

[firebane]

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From all the listings I've seen, the ZJ owners are alright. The Cherokee owners are the sketchy ones. There's a green ZJ for 1500$ in Okotoks.

Maybe I should just find a money pit Land Rover again.

I had both a XJ and ZJ and hands down the ZJ wins simply for interior space. XJs are like a small honda inside with no room.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Yeah XJ prices are super inflated and the interior is craaaamped. ZJ or WJ over XJ for me.

[ercchry]

If you want roomy… get a commander!

[BerserkerCatSplat]

The Commander with the 5.7 has always kinda intrigued me, but that rear overhang is yuuuuge. QDII with the f/r eLSDs is pretty neat.

[frozenrice]

Not sure if this is the right place for this. Recently got a 2010 Pathfinder and was thinking of hitting some trails in it this weekend. It’s stock. Would McLean Creek be a good place to start? I’m not well experienced and likely going to be on my own. Are there any other recommendations?