Looking to Build a Adventure Truck / SUV Need suggestions on a Platform

[jonnypage]

Hi there expo forum! I am looking To build a adventure vehicle with the following criteria.
4wd either full time awd with low range or ideally 2wd with 4 lo and hi
Space for 2 adults and a little extra ( extra cab short box ) but no single cab maybe a crew also.
Will be used to be used as a base vehicle eg everything we need for backcountry hiking and 4wd adventuring.It will not see a huge about of serious 4x4 just access to trail heads and what not so will not need to be a rock crawler. I expect to use it 50% dirt 50% pavement on a larger 20,000kms road trip around north America.
Something big enough to sleep in ( either canopy or back seats folded flat ) occasionally but will be tenting it mostly . Would consider a roof top tent so not a deal breaker if its not larger enough to sleep in with gear.

Gas or diesel auto or standard.
Budget around 5-7 so I am looking at
Any suggestions on ideal vehicle would be great.

Wont be running a fridge or anything that will require dual batteries or solar and we will be storing water in 20l totes and we will never be more than 2-3 days from civilisation so extra fuel isn't a huge deal.

 

[Kmakser]

A crazy idea ,Wish you success

 

[calicamper]

Early gen Sequoias in clean shape can be found in your price range. Just figure on the Timing belt / water pump service. Its narrower than a full size pickup which is a nice thing. Pickups there are millions of them its not hard to find grandpas low mile older truck for cheap and just needing fluids refreshed and new tires tossed on.

 

[OIIIIO]

I am selling a '98 ZJ fully expo'ed. Check out my for sale thread. In your budget range.

 

[XJLI]

Subaru Outback

 

[jonnypage]

Looks like I have settled on either an XJ or WJ jeep. I am leaning more towards the WJ as it has front and rear coils and slightly more modern without having the Mercedes influences of the later models. I will be searching for one with the part time 4wd also to help on fuel economy

 

[jonnypage]

Well after almost pulling the trigger on a WJ I think it may be a little small for my needs. I plan on removing rear seats and making a platform for storage the full length from tailgate to behind the front seats and with space on top for the dog and occasional sleeping in when we are not tenting.

I have since started looking at maybe 2002-2004 Ford Explorer with the 4.6