Good Trail Rig?

I am looking for a trail rig because I don't want to mess up my 08 TRD Sport Tacoma. I was wondering how capable and reliable a 1990-2000 Jeep Cherokee was offroad. I would prefer the 2 door versus 4 door. Please note I mean the square body style Cherokee and not Grand Cherokee! I see you can get a nice rig for under $4k all day long in great shape and with 2K more you can have a trail ready rig. I mean a lift, wheels, and tires. I was curious about the reliability and cheap repair cost of these models. I have been looking around and believe these are an inexpensive ride. Please give me some opinions and feedback. Thanks

Lane

 

I'd go for a YJ with the inline six. Nothing beats wheeling with no roof or doors.

 

The are by far the best bang for the buck, the asian transmissions the cherokees had are bulletproof, the motor is proven good, awesome low end torque, very easy to work on, low maintenance, If I didnt have my tacoma I would be driving a cherokee right now, cheap parts, tons of aftermarket stuff availible, they are amazingly capable! with some lockers that thing will go anywhere, awesome trail rig for sure!

 

Thanks for the input and feedback. I found a 2000 4door 4wd in my area. It has 82K miles and appears to be in great condition. Almost too nice to make into a trail rig lol. They are asking $3800 but I am sure I could get it for under 3k.

 

+1. I'm tempted to take the doors off my taco but the new interior is just so damn clean. In my old CJ-5 i'd just put it in 4lo/1st and hang out the side to watch the wheels articulate over rocks... very relaxing.

 

Ive been looking for a TJ Rubicon to trade my truck for, Those things with a long arm kit make my mouth water!!!

 

I'm planning on getting some rock doors for my '05. Combined with some weather techs and wet okoles inside and the truck shouldnt be too dirty..

 

uh yea dude an XJ is LIGHT YEARS ahead of a YJ. LOL @ someone telling you that bs. A TJ is a descent choice, an XJ can easily out wheel a TJ though, long arm vs long arm an XJ is alot better. Only downfall to an XJ is the unibody. Once it starts to rust its a pain and trying to put sliders on it or anything is a bit tricky. A TJ is easier to work on, but an XJ is a better trail rig in the end run. Either one though is a good choice, DONT buy a YJ though seriously unless its dirt freaking cheap then MAYBE.

if your serious about a trail rig, check these sites and there long arm options...

http://www.gotreks.com/treks_home.asp

http://www.claytonoffroad.com/

rubicon express is a great company as well, although i feel T & T and Clayton are better for real offroad rigs...id stay away from rough country, superlift, teraflex, or any of that whoo ha if you want good tuff quality parts

 

You could also check out http://www.rustysoffroad.com/
They got good stuff, good long arm kits

 

all the guys I work with run rusty's stuff, they love there products

 

hahaha yea me and my xj buddy have already seen that one

Thanks TRD4x4 i always forget about rustys....

 

yep that one, i think we saw it on google search or pirate... we work at a 4wd shop, we are like addicts so we see alot of trucks lol