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.
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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.

 

[Steve300xcw]

@BLJ You better buy a plane ticket

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[BLJ]

Ohhhh boy.

I even like the color. Find a $100 cap and a sleeping bag at Walmart and I’d be set for trip home.

Probably take me a month but no doubt I would get there.

 

[Chris in TN]

@BLJ You better buy a plane ticket!

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I'm not 100% sure that's the engine I want to push 35's down the Interstate.

Also, I can hear the throwout bearing whining from here.

 

[KenLee]

@BLJ You better buy a plane ticket

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If it doesn't have lower geared front and rear, it will hardly pull itself. Had a new 1989. Ordered a new 1990 with low geared axles. Put on 33s. Different truck. Pull like a mule.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Gears make a hell of a difference. When the 35's went on my tacoma it was pretty obvious that needed to happen ASAP

That said, for a local rig/woods truck. You'd get along just fine as it is.

 

[BLJ]

That said, for a local rig/woods truck. You'd get along just fine as it is.

I never had any issues before the internet.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Funny how that works. Course now days if you cant do 80mph over the pass, pulling 40k and getting 32mpg, your pickup's a POS

I went a lot of places on 33's with a wore out 22r and stock gears.

Granted low range got used alot and a good headwind would really screw you over!

I miss that truck