Need a new hunting rig

[chadcharb]

As the title says I'm in the market for a new hunting rig. I already have a truck but it's an 06 ram 1500 with almost 200k and I need it to last me a few more years until I can buy the truck I really need (2500 diesel) so I'm looking for something else to take the abuse on the logging roads and fs roads in the mean time and continue to do so after I buy my new truck. I've set a budget at about 6k and I'm mechanically inclined so I'm not to worried about buying a cheap truck. So far my shopping list consists of 4 runners, xj jeeps, and fj80 landcruisers. Trucks are pretty much out because I gotta have room for the wife and family as well. Anything else that should be on my list that's not?

 

[browning2480]

XJ Jeeps can be found for cheap and in your budget you could outfit it well. That would be my pick. Just make sure to stay with the 4.0

 

[bojangles808]

id add use auto trader or cars.com to expand your search and not just look locally. can find some really good deals with their filters if you don;t mind driving for a litte bit

 

[SouthernCharm]

Was in the same boat and just bought an awd escape. didn't need the family room. I am please with awd on the coastal mountain range of Oregon. Climbs the hills with without jumping and chattering while turning on a dime. Built a deck system on the back to carry and store gear with rack on top for water, shovel and axe. My preference was a LX 470 (very rare to find). Don't overlook the Chevy Tahoe either. Good luck. Watch CL and FB Marketplace. in the bigger cities around you (less wear and tear) Be ready to buy. Had three premium rigs sold before I could get there.

 

[Billy Goat]

Tahoe. 02-05 are pretty reliable. If you need something to get around in a bunch of mud it won't be ideal, but fuel mileage is close to an XJ or a 4 runner, but has more capability interns of hauling the family or pulling a small trailer if need be.

 

[chadcharb]

XJ Jeeps can be found for cheap and in your budget you could outfit it well. That would be my pick. Just make sure to stay with the 4.0

The problem with all of these that I've chosen are I'm in the pnw and people think they're gold including xj's. I definitely wouldn't buy anything but a 4.0. The straight 6 is the only reason I'm even interested. Parts are cheap and they're reliable.

 

[chadcharb]

Was in the same boat and just bought an awd escape. didn't need the family room. I am please with awd on the coastal mountain range of Oregon. Climbs the hills with without jumping and chattering while turning on a dime. Built a deck system on the back to carry and store gear with rack on top for water, shovel and axe. My preference was a LX 470 (very rare to find). Don't overlook the Chevy Tahoe either. Good luck. Watch CL and FB Marketplace. in the bigger cities around you (less wear and tear) Be ready to buy. Had three premium rigs sold before I could get there.

I went down the road of lifting my 1st gen cr-v back in the day and it worked well but I want true 4 wheel drive and more ground clearance. This was my first attempt at a family rig.

 

[chadcharb]

Tahoe. 02-05 are pretty reliable. If you need something to get around in a bunch of mud it won't be ideal, but fuel mileage is close to an XJ or a 4 runner, but has more capability interns of hauling the family or pulling a small trailer if need be.

Yea I know it fits the bill I'm just not a huge fan for some reason.

 

[chadcharb]

id add use auto trader or cars.com to expand your search and not just look locally. can find some really good deals with their filters if you don;t mind driving for a litte bit

Yea I'll fly and drive home for the right truck. I've been looking other places for sure.

 

[kda082]

What’s past the XJ is it YJ or WJ? Some of the early 2000s Cherokees aren’t priced like they’re made of gold.

 

[chadcharb]

Wj's ended in 04 and I think that's when the 4.0 ended to so that's the newest I'd look at. I've looked into those as well and they're kind of my worst case. I have a buddy selling an 04 4.0 very well cared for that seriously has me thinking. I can't get the my dream landcruiser out of my head though

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

From a $ standpoint, you’re not likely to come out ahead buying a second vehicle when you factor insurance, maintenance, etc. I’d just keep driving your truck and save the $ for what you want.

It‘s a different story if you have a massive commute to work, so you’re looking for a high MPG daily driver and then a weekend toy.

 

[Buffinnut]

I wish I never sold my 2000 Tacoma. I'll be buying a similar year 4runner one of these days as my hunting rig. Driving my f350 on trails is rough.

 

[Buckshotaz]

find a 4x4 2500 suburban. best hunting//family truck made

 

[Carr5vols]

Xterra, monterro, trooper-cheap, reliable and go anywhere

 

[ckrhtr]

Here is mine just need to get a topper, I got it to haul the family around with me in the hills.

 

[Buffinnut]

View attachment 266399Here is mine just need to get a topper, I got it to haul the family around with me in the hills.

33s? What suspension work

 

[FLAK]

Love my Triple Locked '94 FJ80 with 3" lift and 33's.

 

[ckrhtr]

33s? What suspension work

Yes, they are skinny 33’s -
drakkar leaves with OME 883’s up front. Need to add some new UCA’s. It may end up getting some kings on it but I needed something to clear the tires.

 

[Traveler]

Find a 4Runner.