Thinking about getting out of the jeep world for a while

[muddeprived]

Thinking about it, not committed to it yet. I got a 99 TJ and 01 XJ. I'm always wrenching and spending money on them and it gets tiring after a while. I also need a truck to haul stuff to the house.

If you were in my shoes and were going to sell off the two jeeps, what would you buy that would still be entertaining to drive and also handle the work-duties of owning a home?

[joshs1ofakindxj]

Buy my Sierra that's for sale. Problem solved.

[muddeprived]

Buy my Sierra that's for sale. Problem solved.

That crossed my mind.

[2002wranglerX]

nevermind should have read closer

[muddeprived]

nevermind should have read closer

I like mustangs but it wouldn't get up my driveway.

[highlandercj-7]

Hemi Ram or 6.0 GM Truck

[JeepGeneral]

I would still be interested in your XJ

[muddeprived]

I would still be interested in your XJ

Good to know. I'll be in touch if I find a truck.

[88wd21]

Why not just get a trailer for hauling? Only time I've needed more than a small trailer/s10 sized pickup was when we initially purchased and needed 40+ sheets of drywall

[joshs1ofakindxj]

I think the big issues is not having to constantly work on things. I haven't done jack to my Sierra since I cleaned the mouse nest out of the HVAC. Just keeps on running. (knock on wood)

I miss having an XJ sometimes, but I was constantly fixing or tweaking something. It really got old. Same goes for the deuce. Every hour of driving was like a required half hour of maintenance.

[tow hook]

i'm in boat like you, so I got a truck, and the wife got a car. so i let the jeeps sit. i'd look for a truck, or mid size suv, and get a small trailer, or get to know some one who will let you use there's.

[Super Scout]

I would buy a GM fullsize truck that wasnt made in Mexico. People that buy mopars constantly baffle me.

[The_War_Wagon]

I would buy a GM fullsize truck that wasnt made in Mexico. People that buy mopars OBAMAMOTORWERKS constantly baffle me.


FIFY! :040:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/obama-motors.jpg

[Arailt]

I owned Jeeps for about 15 years (CJ, XJ, TJ). When I sold my last TJ, I bought a Toyota Tacoma. I wanted something more practical than my TJ that would still be fun in the dirt. I decided not to go full size because I wanted something more compact and capable off road. The Tacoma doesn't haul nearly as much as a full size, but that hasn't been a problem. I recently purchased a home and it's been a life saver hauling wood, drywall, dirt, mulch, trees, etc. I've had close to 1100lbs in the bed with no problems (I do have upgraded leaf springs).

Another thing that drew me to the Tacoma was the solid aftermarket support and online community. It's not quite as extensive as the support for Jeeps and the parts are generally more expensive, but there are a lot of options.

As far as reliability goes, you can't beat Toyota. I've pushed my Tacoma pretty hard over the past three years and the most wrenching I've done is oil changes, diff fluids, and spark plugs.

That said, not a day goes by that I don't miss my TJ!

[muddeprived]

I owned Jeeps for about 15 years (CJ, XJ, TJ). When I sold my last TJ, I bought a Toyota Tacoma. I wanted something more practical than my TJ that would still be fun in the dirt. I decided not to go full size because I wanted something more compact and capable off road. The Tacoma doesn't haul nearly as much as a full size, but that hasn't been a problem. I recently purchased a home and it's been a life saver hauling wood, drywall, dirt, mulch, trees, etc. I've had close to 1100lbs in the bed with no problems (I do have upgraded leaf springs).

Another thing that drew me to the Tacoma was the solid aftermarket support and online community. It's not quite as extensive as the support for Jeeps and the parts are generally more expensive, but there are a lot of options.

As far as reliability goes, you can't beat Toyota. I've pushed my Tacoma pretty hard over the past three years and the most wrenching I've done is oil changes, diff fluids, and spark plugs.

That said, not a day goes by that I don't miss my TJ!

What year Taco?

I MIGHT keep the TJ and use it as a summer rig. I dunno yet.

[Arailt]

What year Taco?

I MIGHT keep the TJ and use it as a summer rig. I dunno yet.
2009 TRD Off Road. I bought it in 2013 with 53k on the ODO. It's right around 95k now and running like a top.

[muddeprived]

2009 TRD Off Road. I bought it in 2013 with 53k on the ODO. It's right around 95k now and running like a top.

That's what my boss traded in for a 2014 taco. He said he did NOTHING to the 09 except the usual maintenance.

Any rust issues?

[Super Scout]

FIFY! :040:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/obama-motors.jpg

Because Chrysler didn't take a bail out ? Hell their not even an American company anymore. The italians took them over.

[The_War_Wagon]

Because Chrysler didn't take a bail out ? Hell their not even an American company anymore. The italians took them over.

Well you weren't supposed to remember THAT. :p:

I've always hated Chitterlet - Obama just became the latest excuse to do so. :flipoff2:

[Arailt]

That's what my boss traded in for a 2014 taco. He said he did NOTHING to the 09 except the usual maintenance.

Any rust issues?

No rust issues with mine, but that is a common problem with all second generation Tacomas ('05-'15). There is currently a frame replacement recall out on the '05-'08 models, but I'm sure it'll eventually make its way to the later years.

I keep my frame soaked in Fluid Film and it hasn't developed anything more than the light surface rust it had when I bought it.

[highlandercj-7]

It's the greatest truck in the world they says, I never done anything to it they says, One thing is for sure they are TeRDs:
http://www.csh.rit.edu/~egon/photos/cid__0308081101.jpg

[muddeprived]

Folds like a taco...

[hyperbuzzin]

That's so you can use the "Compact Car Only" parking spots!!

[always broke]

Scramblur has a super nice tundra for sale. It's the older smaller version but still has the V8. That's what I would get. Has a bed to haul all your home improvement crap and still narrow enough to take mild trail riding.

[DMG]

It's the greatest truck in the world they says, I never done anything to it they says, One thing is for sure they are TeRDs:
http://www.csh.rit.edu/~egon/photos/cid__0308081101.jpg

I have seen quite a few wranglers with broken frames. The skid plate/crossmember falls off and the frame is held together by the body. Unless the body mounts are bad too. Lol.

[DMG]

Scramblur has a super nice tundra for sale. It's the older smaller version but still has the V8. That's what I would get. Has a bed to haul all your home improvement crap and still narrow enough to take mild trail riding.

I love my 03 Tundra.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/DMHG_bucket/Mobile%20Uploads/imagejpeg_e_zpsfcca5dcb.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/DMHG_bucket/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_151956_zps0647611b.jpg

[scramblur]

Yeah, what he said. 06 regular cab long bed. 116k miles. Basically just getting broken in. I really need to get serious about selling this. I really hate selling stuff.

[muddeprived]

I love my 03 Tundra.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/DMHG_bucket/Mobile%20Uploads/imagejpeg_e_zpsfcca5dcb.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/DMHG_bucket/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_151956_zps0647611b.jpg

I want that exact truck. Sell it to me. :045:

Hey you still interested in fixing my TJ?

[DMG]

I want that exact truck. Sell it to me. :045:

Hey you still interested in fixing my TJ?

I can't sell it, I just got done building it the way I like it. Actually I have to finish the bumpers and swap in the manual transfer case. Then its done.

Yes, after the holidays.

[Super Scout]

Whats the story on Toyotas 4.7 V8 ? I want to ditch Libs WJ and if I cant convince her to get a tahoe I think a 4 runner is in our future.

[muddeprived]

I can't sell it, I just got done building it the way I like it. Actually I have to finish the bumpers and swap in the manual transfer case. Then its done.

Yes, after the holidays.

Alright cool. That'll give me some time to install new brake lines.

[DMG]

Whats the story on Toyotas 4.7 V8 ? I want to ditch Libs WJ and if I cant convince her to get a tahoe I think a 4 runner is in our future.

It is one of the best motors I have had. The white one has 228,000 on it and still gets run hard. They are supposed to get a timing belt every 100k or so and the starter is under the intake manifold so it will kind of suck to replace but we have 3 vehicles with the 4.7 over 200k and all have the original starter.

The 4.7 was somewhat rare in the 4Runner, most had the 4.0. The Sequoia is bigger and always had the 4.7.

The 4.7 got more hp and a 5 speed automatic in 05.

I would suggest you find one from out of the rust belt then oil or fluid film the undercarriage to avoid rust issues. But I suggest that with any vehicle more than a few years old in PA.

[highlandercj-7]

Steve, The Runner with a 4.7 isn't bad. I wouldn't trade a V-8 Grand for it but it's not bad. I just replaced the timing belt in an 2002 with 189K. The original belt was actually in great shape considering how many miles and age. Test drive one and see what you think.

[muddeprived]

http://onslow.craigslist.org/cto/5904900443.html

I wonder what's wrong with that to warrant the low price. A million miles?

[DMG]

http://onslow.craigslist.org/cto/5904900443.html

I wonder what's wrong with that to warrant the low price. A million miles?

It is a scam. The weird stuff in the title gives that away. I think they do that to prevent Craigslist from picking up that it is the same ad in multiple areas. They are collecting email addresses.

[DMG]

Steve, The Runner with a 4.7 isn't bad. I wouldn't trade a V-8 Grand for it but it's not bad. I just replaced the timing belt in an 2002 with 189K. The original belt was actually in great shape considering how many miles and age. Test drive one and see what you think.

The V8s in grand cherokees have been junk. The transmissions and transfer cases as well. Also the rear axles in most years. But at least the electrical system and climate control was good. Oh wait.

We had an 04 grand. It needed work every month. Just like most of the grands I see at work. Sold it and bought a Land Cruiser with the 4.7. It is about 100 times the vehicle and doesn't break.

[scramblur]

Mine looks just like his, sorta, if you look from the front, well it is white. The one you walked around when you picked up those springs. And it comes with a bed full of scrap aluminum!! I thought about a 4.7 swap into my LJ but the wiring/computer stuff scared me off.

[scramblur]

Only 4 winters in the rust belt!

[joshs1ofakindxj]

I will never own another Grand Cherokee for the reasons Dave outlined and more. Ever. Great concept, poor execution.

What kind of mileage do the V8 Toy's get?

[DMG]

I will never own another Grand Cherokee for the reasons Dave outlined and more. Ever. Great concept, poor execution.

What kind of mileage do the V8 Toy's get?

Not so great. I have bigger tires on all of them so I am happy to see 15. The 4Runner is lighter and has a 5 speed auto so it does better. The 05 and newer trucks/sequoias/land cruisers may do a bit better with the 5 speed auto.

[tow hook]

The V8s in grand cherokees have been junk. The transmissions and transfer cases as well. Also the rear axles in most years. But at least the electrical system and climate control was good. Oh wait.

We had an 04 grand. It needed work every month. Just like most of the grands I see at work. Sold it and bought a Land Cruiser with the 4.7. It is about 100 times the vehicle and doesn't break.

the 4.7 in the 2002 we have is great. I did head gaskets back in 09" and did a h.o. top end kit when I had it apart. and I wouldn't trade it for any thing. the trans has been great as well, gotta drop fluid every 30k, and do both filters. I do hate the tranny speed sensors :074: the t case is alright, other then the over priced fluid i'd like to swap in a 242 with a sye or give it a 241or. the hvac has been good, one minor problem was the plus that goes in the fan control box. a name that I can't think off ?? :105: needed cleaned and in some cases swapped totally. the rear 44a is ok, the guts are stupide over price corvette crap, so well swap in a jk44 if it doesn't rust out before then. I guess ours was built on a Tuesday. lol

[DMG]

If you like it, fine but when someone asks for advice don't tell them a Grand Cherokee is anywhere near the quality of a Toyota SUV.

[ridgerunner97]

That's what's funny Dave, 2 of my Aunts had 3 WJ's between them, all different motors options etc. Never had a lick of trouble but I WILL NEVER GO FOR A WJ. EVER. They got lucky, a few others I know did too but overall they sucked, I'll stick with XJ's and ZJ's until I find a proprely priced 4 runner or land cruiser LOL

[DMG]

That's what's funny Dave, 2 of my Aunts had 3 WJ's between them, all different motors options etc. Never had a lick of trouble but I WILL NEVER GO FOR A WJ. EVER. They got lucky, a few others I know did too but overall they sucked, I'll stick with XJ's and ZJ's until I find a proprely priced 4 runner or land cruiser LOL

There are quite a few people on this forum that have had really awful WJs.

[Super Scout]

WJs are not good, Libs current WJ has been okay but not good. Tcase, oil pan, hvac issues. I think people like them that don't actually know what owning a good car is.

[DMG]

WJs are not good, Libs current WJ has been okay but not good. Tcase, oil pan, hvac issues. I think people like them that don't actually know what owning a good car is.

True. I also think part of it is expectations. A 2000 XJ cost about $20k. A loaded WJ cost almost $35k and was considered to be significantly more vehicle. But 16-17 years later the XJ has proved to generally be a more solid vehicle and has held its value better.

Also, Jeep is a "lifestyle" brand like Harley. So even crappy products elicit some pretty substantial brand loyalty.

[Arailt]

Whats the story on Toyotas 4.7 V8 ? I want to ditch Libs WJ and if I cant convince her to get a tahoe I think a 4 runner is in our future.

The Toyota 4.7 is damn near bulletproof and the 4Runner is going to be far more reliable over its lifetime than a WJ in nearly every respect. Easily a 300k platform as long as all routine maintenance/rust prevention was performed. 2005-2009, the motors were built with VVTi. Toyota makes a TRD supercharger for the non VVTi variant ('03-'04).

The Lexus GX470 (120 Series Land Cruiser) is another great option with the 4.7. They're reasonably priced with lower mileage (70k-100k). Limited aftermarket in the US, but there are a few companies who make bumpers, sliders, skids, and suspension components.


If you like it, fine but when someone asks for advice don't tell them a Grand Cherokee is anywhere near the quality of a Toyota SUV.
Truth.

[The_War_Wagon]

Found this '04 Taco on Armslist, of all places! (Here in Pittsburgh)


https://www.armslist.com/posts/6247313/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-vehicles-for-sale--reducd---2004-toyota-tacoma-sr5-trd-4wd-v6

https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2016/12/22/6247313_02_reducd_2004_toyota_tacoma_sr5__640.jpg


I know NOTHING about Toyota's, THIS one included... but there you have it.

[flimmy]

$3800 seems to cheap for something that nice. Its its real its a deal lol Too much snow on the ground to be a recent pic. Looks to deep for what we've had so far this year.

[muddeprived]

Too good to be true. Scam.

There are some other nice trucks on CL for $2k-$4k when they should be $8k-$10. Stupid scammers.

[Super Scout]

Speaking of 4 runners are thr V6s as solid as the 4.7l V8 ?

[Arailt]

Speaking of 4 runners are thr V6s as solid as the 4.7l V8 ?
The 4th gen 4Runner has the same motor (and I think transmission) as the 2nd gen Tacoma (1gr-fe). Those motors very reliable. Plugs need changed at 30k if you use the factory recommended copper plugs, which most folks on Tacoma World agree perform best. The motors have a timing chain instead of a belt, so it doesn't need changed at 100k intervals like the 4.7 does. They are generally very loud and have a tendency to "tick" like a sewing machine. Dealers maintain that the noise is normal. Mine has it and it's still running great. Other than that, I rarely see people post engine related problems on the Tacoma forums.

[DMG]

Speaking of 4 runners are thr V6s as solid as the 4.7l V8 ?

The 4.0 V6 is a great motor but it probably isn't quite as good as the 4.7 V8. I still see them with 200k and more on them.

[joshs1ofakindxj]

There are quite a few people on this forum that have had really awful WJs.

*raises hand*

[The_War_Wagon]

Rock you an XK! Even the Hemi's are under $10k now, and you'll DEFINITELY look DIFFERENT on the trail in one! :gear_grin:

[ridgerunner97]

XK is nothing ton right home about. Way better than. WJ Maybe better than a ZJ but close. XJ or a 4 runner is where it's at or a Landcruiser

[muddeprived]

And......a 4runner is what I got. Picked up a 99 4runner Limited v-6 4x4 with selectable rear locker for $4500. Owner has maintenance records from every 5k miles dated back to 1999. EVERYTHING in and on it works even the antennae goes up and down.

Despite the need for new rubber and tired shocks/struts (i was planning on replacing those two things on whatever I bought anyways) it was still a joy to drive home.

[DMG]

And......a 4runner is what I got. Picked up a 99 4runner Limited v-6 4x4 with selectable rear locker for $4500. Owner has maintenance records from every 5k miles dated back to 1999. EVERYTHING in and on it works even the antennae goes up and down.

Despite the need for new rubber and tired shocks/struts (i was planning on replacing those two things on whatever I bought anyways) it was still a joy to drive home.
Nice! Now it's time to hose out the frame and oil or fluid film everything

[muddeprived]

Nice! Now it's time to hose out the frame and oil or fluid film everything

I got alot of fluid film waiting till I replace some stuff first. I hate working on greasy parts.

Bilstein 4600 struts/shocks
Tie Rods
Ball Joints(?)
Sway bar bushings
Alignment
Tires

[The_War_Wagon]

XK is nothing ton right home about. Way better than. WJ Maybe better than a ZJ but close. XJ or a 4 runner is where it's at or a Landcruiser

You'd be surprised... :004:

http://www.jeepcommander.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3813&d=1280247669http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d904b3127ccef0e696ebcd2700000040O02AZNGjlmzYtA e3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://cdn.pinthiscars.com/images/red-jeep-commander-lifted-wallpaper-2.jpg
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt158/phunkeydude/Sedona%20082309/DSCI0251.jpg

[muddeprived]

Nice! Now it's time to hose out the frame and oil or fluid film everything

Hey DMG, I got a question. Is there an adapter set I need in order to replace the upper ball joints? My research so far has pointed to an O-reily's adapter set but the part numbers are not coming up. I already have a ball joint press kit.

[DMG]

Hey DMG, I got a question. Is there an adapter set I need in order to replace the upper ball joints? My research so far has pointed to an O-reily's adapter set but the part numbers are not coming up. I already have a ball joint press kit.

I honestly don't remember. They last for a long time so I don't replace them often. I put Camburg uniball upper control arms on my tundra so it doesn't even have a real upper ball joint any more. Did you shake down the front end to see what is needed?
I have used the bilstien kit and it is pretty damn nice.

Btw, add total chaos eurothane rack bushings to your list.

[muddeprived]

I honestly don't remember. They last for a long time so I don't replace them often. I put Camburg uniball upper control arms on my tundra so it doesn't even have a real upper ball joint any more. Did you shake down the front end to see what is needed?
I have used the bilstien kit and it is pretty damn nice.

Btw, add total chaos eurothane rack bushings to your list.

I checked the bushings and it says for 2000-2006 Tundras.

[DMG]

I checked the bushings and it says for 2000-2006 Tundras.

I think someone makes them.

[muddeprived]

I think someone makes them.

I giggled like a little girl when I saw all this:

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/products/toyota_4runner_4wd_1999

Looks like they have the rack bushing kit.

I'm not sure about the Moog stuff though. Would you use em?

[DMG]

I giggled like a little girl when I saw all this:

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/products/toyota_4runner_4wd_1999

Looks like they have the rack bushing kit.

I'm not sure about the Moog stuff though. Would you use em?
Moog is usually pretty good. If it were me I wouldn't do anything with the upper ball joint and start searching on Racedezert and all the Toyota forums for a uniball UCA.

[muddeprived]

I finally got a stack of papers about an inch thick in the mail today from previous owner. I opened it up and the first page is service record at 144k miles for a coolant flush and fill at Toyota. This is going to be some good history reading....

4runner's wheels are now at the shop getting AT51's mounted and balanced. Still waiting for the Bilsteins.

Anyone ever use tirebuyer.com? They got some good deals and free shipping to a shop near you. The 265/75/16 AT51's were about $460 shipped to a shop across town.

[ridgerunner97]

Chris did you sell your XJ?

[muddeprived]

Chris did you sell your XJ?

Tom (JeepGeneral) might buy it next Friday. He's had a crush on it since last year.

[ridgerunner97]

****ing right, the stars are aligning once again.

[muddeprived]

****ing right, the stars are aligning once again.

Why's that?

[ridgerunner97]

People are getting back into rigs

[muddeprived]

People are getting back into rigs

Hopefully he wheels it cuz it hasn't been in years.

[muddeprived]

Here's my latest part(s) purchase:

2 Upper BJ
2 Lower BJ
2 Inner Tie Rods
2 Outer Tie rods
Toyota Tundra Brake Upgrade
Plugs and Wires
Air Filter

$1104.

:107:

[muddeprived]

A little update here:

The 4runner has gotten alot of new stuff installed on it and it's riding like a new truck. So far I've installed Bilstein 4600's, rear OME 906 coil springs, 267/75 aggressive tires, Toyota upper and lower ball joints, Toyota inner and outer tie rods, poly F/R sway bar kits, and new front Toyota rotors and pads. I also replaced the rack bushing since it had a ton of play. The roller had slop in it and that tightened up steering but recently the whole rack started moving so I have Wheeler's poly kit to swap in and hold that sucker firm. Looks like a bit of a job to replace but I'll get it done.


I'm trying to decide what to do with the front coils. The rear coils were so tired that just a few bags of tools would have it banging on the bumpstops. The 906 coils raised it an inch and it rides a whole lot better. I can tell the front coils are tired now that I have new rear coils. I don't feel like spending $200+ on Toyota coils and don't trust Moog coils based on all the sagging reviews I've read so I'm looking for an alternative coil.

Oh yeah, order from Wheeler's and get candy!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/muddeprived/candy_zpsqynwm38v.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/muddeprived/media/candy_zpsqynwm38v.jpg.html)