I picked up a 2001 a few years ago with a bad piston. I did a full rebuild with a stroker crank and forged KB pistons, now it's a 4.6 liter!
I've always loved the k5. Still do, even then wife loves them. But they are pricy and I'm looking for something cheap that's why I mentioned 80's or 90's. I see the some late 80 blazers with the 4.3 and 4runners with the 3.0. And the jeeps too. Since you guys are pushing the jeep I will most definitely take your advice. I got a lot of dirt roads round here and I want to go exploring. But if a k5 before 1973 comes up for the right price I will hop on it. The wife likes the original Jeeps like the wranglers old Willys style. Those things do not drop in price. I would like a pre 73 (California law says anythng pre 73 does not warrant a smog so they are cool for engine swaps) and putting a sbb 350/340/300 or 215, thats a bucket list car for sure for me. So what year Jeep 4.0's?
Mark me down as recommending an XJ cherokee as well. I miss the heck out of mine and want another one bad. I had a 96 sport with the 4.0, it was a great vehicle. Super torquey! (And yes, it drove itself out of this!)
XJ Cherokees are really popular here in Alabama. And most of them look like yours, Shawn! Lifted with big wheels & tires and covered with mud! :^)
I may be partial having owned 7 of them. But the Ford Explorer. Especially the 2nd generation, 95-01. Had: 95XLT, killed. 4.0 96 Limited, 4.0 traded for tow rig 02 Limited 4x2 4.0 traded 98 XLT 4.0 traded 05 XLT V8 traded 14 XLT 3.5 hated it, not a real explorer in my mind, traded for our MKZ 99 XL 4.0 5 speed current. Yeah people talk bad about them. Had to do a tranny in the 98. and the 05 had a rod knock. other than that reliable, capable off road,(but the 14) our 95 was a trail truck. Went anywhere I pointed it. Got our current one, at the local Chevy dealers black Friday sale. 2 months before it was $2495 the start of the sale $1495. Got it the following Monday for $990. I have only put in 1 spark plug, 3 plug wires and a coil pack and runs great. Just haven't done the other plugs and wires yet. Tim
I used to have a 1987 Plymouth trailduster (just a downgraded Dodge Ramcharger) that had been special ordered when new by a local farmer. It had a 318 motor with a 4 speed manual tranny. You could run a pto off the side of the tranny. But when you shifted that baby into 4wd, you were in for some fun, cause it was TRUE 4wd, it had a posi rear and front axle. I NEVER had to call a tow truck or get pulled out and I drove that thing out of a few deep ditches filled with snow and ice! Keith
I got Chevy blue running through my veins. had a 84 GMC jimmy, which was a fun truck with a tricked out 350 but not too useful for work purposes other than towing. played with the 75 k-5s too. pretty much the same as the full size Jimmys. Also have had numerous other Chevy trucks. Also tried a few dodge and a ford for a while, but after nightmares of problems I quickly came back to my senses. hands down Chevy/GMC trucks #1 - Parts are plentiful and inexpensive for the most part. Currently my immediate family and I have a fleet of 5 Chevy trucks on the road, the oldest is a 96 and going strong newest a 2005. They are damn hard to kill and run forever with very few mechanical problems. Rust is their only nemesis but if you keep em clean they last. personally I like the older ones better. You can have my Chevy truck when you pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel!
Thanks guys for the additional post I thought Chevys color was orange, are you talking about diplomatic blue,, that's a great color.
I have a 91 regular cab Cummings 5 speed 4x4. Gets 18.5-19.5 mpg it my DD. They have been known to run a million miles with proper maintenance.
If you go with Jeep stay away from the earlier TJs up to 96 the are a little weak in the driveline. 97 on up are good. I have two Sons who go "wheelin" all the time with their TJs they must be tough. lol Bob H.
Want reliable go with a Toyota! My 08 Toyota FJ Cruiser has been unbelievable so far, getting close to 175k miles on her, so far only done maintenance work on her. It still looks brand new inside and out. I drive it 50 miles round-trip daily 80% at highway speed and never got less than 20 mpg!
Those FJs are nice. If I could I would. Maybe in a couple years but looking for a reliable budget 4x4 that's why I said 80's or 90's. I remember when the FJ came out It blew my mind, great automobile. So I'm keeping my eyes out for a Jeep cheoroke or wagoneer with the 4.0 but sould I also consider the grand Cherokee with a 4.0 and different body style, (less square) Also keeping my eye out for a 1500/2500 90's 4x4. And How bout the GM mill of the early 90s with the 4.3 (blazer, bravada, jimmy) I've asked about that one before but I don't think anyone has chimed in on it. Is the 4.3 a good engine? Thanks for everyone's input, I really appriciate it. Even the ford and Cummings advise.
Also, the 2000 2001 Jeeps have a defect in a head design, watch out for the 0331 (I think it is). They seem to have issues with cracking. I'm not doggin on the Jeep, I have a 2000, recently got rid of a 99 and have had a 94 and a 95. All XJ's
We never did any rough off-roading with them, they were my wife's daily drivers. They did do great in snow. If you were going to do some serious off-roading, they would need to be lifted. The stock ground clearance is not too great. And both were the longer wheelbase four doors. We bought both new and we liked the 93 better than the 98.
1999 Cherokee XJ (not to be confused with Grand Cherokee). Best of the Cherokees. Dead solid I - 6. Mods are easy and not too expensive. I have on and have made quite the trail rig out of it. Unfortunately, I drive it no more than I drive the GS. For good info check out NAXJA forum. I'm sure there's a chapter in your area.
