Best "old" 4x4 truck for hunting? $5k range.

[kcm2]

I haven’t seen one mention for an older Jeep Cherokee XJ, specifically with the unbreakable 4.0L straight 6. I bought mine for $2K 4.5 years ago. Today, the heater core is non-functional, the frame is not worth fixing, and the right leaf spring has a broken leaf, but it’s still my daily driver.
View attachment 1021691

Replacing the heater core on my 99 Grand Cherokee was not that difficult. It took me about 6 hours in total, and I suspect the Cherokee might be simpler. Where i hunt in the winter I need the heat. Defrosting a windshield on an icy day is a critical need.

 

[spdski]

I bought a higher-miled 2016 Chevy 2500 6.0 gasser for $6600 at a Richie Bros auction last year. It's been a great purchase for me!

I was surprised at the deals on those auctions. Most people seem to be looking for a luxury crew cab or a diesel. I like the 6.0 gas engine's reliability, maintenance is easier, and I haven't had any issue with this vehicle being one that's only started every couple of weeks at best.

 

[Herzog81]

I recently picked up this truck for silly cheap, 99’ 3.4l V6, manual transmission, manual transfer case, manual locking hubs, and crank windows!

 

[Steve300xcw]

Those are good rigs. I'd toss some OEM ball joints at it though.