what would you choose for an off-road rig?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars...id=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:7|39:1|240:1318


not saying run out and buy it... just there is one in your state on ebay for 1/2 total investment and its a newer one at that... another 2500 in that and you could have a very capable vehicle

 

that thing is beat the snot. 2 different seats inside too lol. id have a hard time spending 2500 on something that is in that shape. more than likely its not as mechanically sounds as he states...

 

Maybe, maybe not. I just bought a 4Runner that didn't appear "beat to snot", but it's got some issues. I'm just saying.....can't judge a book by it's cover.

 

lol well nice thing about a samurai is say it needed all new axle housings...a motor and transmission... a transfer case... and all the springs were shot... I could get you all the parts for around $500 here and there... suzuki guys stick together and stock parts are easy to come by.. hardest part is a frame or a tub... and thats all you really need to start up a build lol

 

for 7,000 u can get a nice little toyota samurai


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars...d=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:-1|39:1|240:1318

 

That's a sexy combination. I realize it's a trail rig, but the shitty interior really bugs me. Clean that shit at least.

 

looks good on the outside but butt ass ugly on the inside, def trail rig

 

thats a pretty sweet looking rig.

 

i have a feeling i would feel too cramped in it. i didnt like the wrangler because i felt like a giant in it. im only 6-1 and 180 lbs though.

 

I don't know anything about Samurais, how do the axels hold up with bigger tires? They look so delicate. And that engine has to be about the sized of a motorcycle one I would think. LOL! I had a Chevy Blazer that was pretty tough. Could take a licking and keep on ticking. Not what you want for technical trails but fun to go out 4x4ing in.

 

i would probably take an older taco, but i gotta give props to the older cherokees...i've seen them do some gnarly shit!

 

Samis' are very cool...
Any sami's that I've ever wheeled with, the only thing SAMI left on them was the body frame. Everything else was swapped out.

 

went looking at some dealers yesterday....nothing at all on the lots. not even any old toyotas. the used car lots are BARE! My buddy wanted to look at some rubicons so that was our main focus. pretty cool looking jeeps when done up, but tiny inside. not that impressed with the ground clearance either, although the short wheel base makes up for it.

 

I'm 6"2 and 280 and I love samurais lol I have had either 5 or 6 of them have 2 right now.. stock axles are ok with stock motor and 33's (had one lifted 6" with stock axles and wheeled it without any problems) now if you go bigger on motor...axles may become problem..its trickle down affect like anything..toyota solid axles are like dana 60's to a zuk they are bulletproof with a huge aftermarket following but the stock axles are enough for 90% of the people out there... as for motor its a 1300CC motor just like the 4cyl geo metro most guys either swap in a 1.6L (8 or 16V) out of a tracker or sidekick... another popular swap is the VW diesel http://www.megavideo.com/?v=1CHADPIE very cool build but they took it little to far for me.. I like stock bodies... I'm currently stuffing a mercedes 2.4L diesel in my one samurai (fun trust me) and it will probably end up on 33-35's

 

I should also note I think I can get you a clean fuel injected convertible sammy here locally for $2000 if guy still has it... little rust on the inside rear wheel wells but none outside... had rear locker already too


edit he lowered price because is taking locker out

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1050175644.html

 

I might have missed it but I think you left out the most important pieces of info we need. Does your budget have to include install? Do you have fab skills or a friend to supply them cheap? I am guessing from your wheeling buddies that you must have at least some help.

Cherokees are cheep to buy because they are crap as well as being ridiculously difficult and/or expensive to lift. It takes 6" of lift just to fit 33s! I have a '93 Toyota that easily fits 33s with a $40 two inch body lift and even stock out wheels all but the most built XJs. If you have the time and patience to build a jeep you could have built a Toyota twice as capable for the same cost.

I prefer the 90-95 Toyota pickup/4Runner body style but any real wheeling will require a solid axle swap which adds complexity and/or cost if you can't DIY. Pre-86 4Runners/pickups (already solid axle) are cheap and can be built for super cheap as all you really need for a base wheeler is springs, steering, and tires. These older Toys are cheaper to build and have stronger frames, etc then a Tacoma. Tacomas are pretty but you would be wasting too much of your budget on the original vehicle. Buy a cheaper truck and spend more on the build. If space isn't an issues the Sammi with an all Toyota drivetrain is pretty cheap to build as well. Don't forget that about $1200 of that cash is going to just tires.