Best expedition 4wd...

[newracer]

On the contrary dear sir, I think Scouts are fantastic- my good buddy has one and we've ventured into some pretty awesome locales in that beast!

Scouts are great 4x4 vehicles but no way an expedition vehicle. Expedition vehicles need to carry lots of gear, be somewhat comfortable to drive, get decent gas mileage, and most importantly be dependable and easy to repair. Other being able to carry a decent amount of cargo a Scout is none of these.

[MED]

I don’t think I have any pictures of it, but this is what I have:

3/4 ’87 Suburban (Fuel Injected 350 with 3L80 = (Trubo 400)) lifted 4” with 305-70-16s. The interior is clean with no rips or tears and it was painted about 10 years ago.

I can put the three dogs in it plus kennels, three kids, and gear, and I can pull either my camper or the tandem axle trailer with the K5 trail rig or ATVs for the whole family.

I paid $1,500 for the Suburban, $200 for the wheels and tires, and nothing for the lift...had it thrown in on a different purchase.

Maintenance costs in five years = $100 for a battery, $30 for a power steering pump, and $50 for a new exhaust pipe. Oh, I paid $200 for a sheered bolt on the steering knuckle. Not bad…less than a $100 per year average. When the engine goes, I can build one blind folded, or I can throw a Cummins 5.9 24v in it. When I drive down that narrow trail with the branches scrapping the sides…I don’t care and I have fun.

MPG is not great (12-14 empty) (8-10 w/ trailer). Although, I only use it when needed.

[Delfuego]

I don’t know if the ’96+ is better,

3rd gens are much better.

The 1st gen (84'-89') was a pretty good off-roader, but only came with a 4 cylinder (but will run forever). There is however the elusive 84'-85' with the solid front axle that kicks butt off road.

The gen 3 (96'-01') had a better engine and transmission and clobber the 2nd gen with its 3.slow V6. There is a bolt-on TRD super-charger that will make this vehicle scream!

You can also upgrade to the ARB air-lockers which are popular with off-roadies and Jeep folks.

[Chad4000]

I think any of those choices would be fine.. depends on the actual vehicle that you find I would say... keep your search open, and grab the best truck and the best price.

there are some very capable jeep cherokees out there.... and the staright 6 in those is a very good motor.

[sully3acr]

Suzuki Samuri all the way...

Yes!!

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Eff jeeps. These colors don't run.

[revor]

Here you go.

[ruthabagah]

Here you go.

Sweet ride

[blacklabel]

If I had the cash for something that I could just build into a toy, I'd probably go the Jeep Cherokee route. They can be had pretty cheap and the aftermarket support is huge. You could build it into a great weekend rig for your family.

[ben4372]

Find an old scout they'll take the abuse. I've got a 76 scout II with the original 258 and so far every jeep part I've tried will fit the engine so you have a couple of avenues to go for parts...

Don't buy a Scout. Unless you love rust.