FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Buying another Vehicle.

So... here I am once more, at a point where my life is about to change and must change my vehicle to accommodate this.. I sold my FJ about a year ago and miss it like crazy. But even if I would have kept it, I would still be looking for a change.

I currently own a 86 Chevy Blazer 1/2 ton 4x4 w/ a 5.7L V8... When I bought the vehicle I was stoked.. All metal, front manual locking hubs big V8, solid axle, tons of mod options.. But to tell you the truth I have not done anything to it. Any money that I would want to spend on mods goes to gas. I pay about $120 to fill up the tank, which then is used in one week with minor commuting.. this thing guzzles gas. Besides it guzzling gas... I have also learned that 86 was a bad year for Chevy. They had just made the transition from carburetor to fuel injection and only half ass'd it in 86... so they made an electronic controlled carburetor. This sucks because it is not full carburetor nor is it fuel injected... which also runs like shit.

With a baby on the way, and it being a girl, I need a 4 door ride that is not ridiculous on gas but is 4x4. I need to get out again. I need to wheel again... but more than that, I need to show the outdoors to my coming child. Now I know that majority of 4x4 are nor fuel economy vehicles... so no need to school me on this. But decency would be nice.

Before I continue, let me explain, while some of you show preference to Toyota (FJ Cruiser Group...DUH) I have always been an auto enthusiast. I have always seen the good and the bad in each maker and love all vehicles in general. The reason I post here is because the aboundance of knowledge and experience. So please keep an open mind. Also keep in mind that this would be a Daily Driver, Precious Cargo Hauler and Weekend Wheeler.

Some vehicle that I am looking into are:

-80 Series LC - I have always liked these, but from doing some research it appears that the earlier models are lacking in power while also being gas hogs. The FT 4WD is a a killer and is the only reason I am looking at other things.

-4Runner - I like them... but I am not sold on them, Pitts is extremely nice but that with about 15Grand of aftermarket parts. I am not sold on them. Plus they have always seemed small, especially for a guy as big as I.

-Range Rover County (1989-1991) - I think those were the years. I have always loved these things an they look beastly.. but I have not done enough research on them and honestly may be too old to consider as a DD.

-Discovery II (99-2004) - Though I have been trying to read up on them, it appears that there is a lot of mixed info. You either love them or hate them. I have always loved the styling and comfort level but know nothing about their mechanics. From what I hear, maintenance is Key. If maintained properly, they will run forever but bad maintenance is disaster waiting to happen. While other vehicle can go with out strict maintenance, these things cannot.

-Jeep Commander - I never looked at these before because I was under the impression that they were extremely top heavy and that they sucked at off road, but as I began to explore expedition forums, I also began to see these pop up. Not crazy rock crawling but expo efficient. Mild 2-4" lifts are available. Or a 2" lift with a 2" body lift with some 35s and better gear ratio while still having room and comfort.

I know that hearing about Land Rover and Jeeps in a Toyota Forum is rare but I know that a lot of you have owned different types of vehicles and I also know that all BS aside, this is the place to get the best advice.Once thing to keep in mind is that I need this vehicle to be comfortable to keep the wife happy, safe for my precious cargo and roomy for my fat ass.

Thanks, -Suecyde

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Permalink Reply by Suecyde on May 4, 2011 at 3:03pm

Yea.... if you add a crawl box.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on May 4, 2011 at 3:46pm

Nope not the only way.

There is a way to modify the stock transfer case. I was just reading about it on Mud. So it can be done, but it will be some work. I am not sure sure if you would see enough of a gain to make it worth it though. The 80 is pretty darn heavy.

Yep its kind of a pig on gas but for me and the size of my family I need something tat can hold all of us.

Maybe a 4th gen 4Runner from he mid 90's (I think that 4th, Maybe its 3rd) ?? 4 doors and plenty of room......

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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on May 4, 2011 at 4:10pm

The easy way to make it part time is to install locking hubs, CDL switch and then remove the front drive shaft when you are not wheeling or going to the snow. Takes me less than 20 min to pull my front drive shaft.

That is my plan, just looking for some Aisin hubs to install.