yossarian19
Observer
Currently I'm driving a '98 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 4.0, automatic trans. Daily driving it, hey, it's a jeep. Fuel economy sucks & it's creaky. When I go climbing or need to haul things, though, the Jeep is usually too small. I can't sleep in it, can't get 4 people + climbing + camping gear inside the vehicle (I use a hitch mounted tray), can't tow more than 5k. So I'm thinking it's time to upsize.
I'd considered a full size Jeep like a Grand Wagoneer or Cherokee Chief but I'd have to go at least TBI, and probably an LS swap, before I'd be happy with the drivetrain. Ditto for the FJ60 Land Cruiser. A 60s Suburban would be cool, too but again - we're talking LS swap. I say LS swap for all these because if I'm going to get MPFI, which I want, it's going to be almost as much work to put a later Vortec 5.7 as it is for a 6.0.
So thats where I'm coming from. Now the questions:
What tend to be the 'Burban's shortcomings? I mean, what fails on them over the various years?
What if anything needs to be done to make them reasonable off roaders? I don't mean rock crawlers or serious mudders, just able to get through a rough dirt road & through some mud / snow / sand on the way camping?
Anything you wish was different about them as an expo camper / tow rig / weekend warrior rig?
If you had 5k in your budget to get a driving full size 4wd, would you get the Burban again or do something different?
I'm anticipating that it might just be too large a vehicle for some trails but think I'm OK with that.
Thanks for the input, folks!
I'd considered a full size Jeep like a Grand Wagoneer or Cherokee Chief but I'd have to go at least TBI, and probably an LS swap, before I'd be happy with the drivetrain. Ditto for the FJ60 Land Cruiser. A 60s Suburban would be cool, too but again - we're talking LS swap. I say LS swap for all these because if I'm going to get MPFI, which I want, it's going to be almost as much work to put a later Vortec 5.7 as it is for a 6.0.
So thats where I'm coming from. Now the questions:
What tend to be the 'Burban's shortcomings? I mean, what fails on them over the various years?
What if anything needs to be done to make them reasonable off roaders? I don't mean rock crawlers or serious mudders, just able to get through a rough dirt road & through some mud / snow / sand on the way camping?
Anything you wish was different about them as an expo camper / tow rig / weekend warrior rig?
If you had 5k in your budget to get a driving full size 4wd, would you get the Burban again or do something different?
I'm anticipating that it might just be too large a vehicle for some trails but think I'm OK with that.
Thanks for the input, folks!