What's a good vehicle for off-road?

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stutaeng

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Not sure if this the right subforum....

I'd like to get into mild/moderate off-road trail riding in the next few years to take my little kids as they get older. I realize not a lot of off-road build guys here, and I don't really know anything about all of the technicalities related to off-road drivetrain. Just learning about definitions of divorced transfer case, cross-over steering, and things like that.

I own a 00 K3500 CCLB SRW and a 04 Suburban 2500 4x4. Both are good candidates for a project truck, or so I thought. The truck is probably too long for any moderate off-road use. I'm not sure on the SUV. The IFS 9.25 has me a bit worried. All I read is solid front axle left and right. I see some guys running the 9.25 here. What are your opinions on it? Looks like for lockers, there's just the ARB air locker out there. Then there's the NP263 Autotrac, which I don't think is as robust for off road use if you believe the internet? I don't think I want to do an IFS lift kit. SAS seems kinda too involved for me on these trucks? But I did find this kit here recently that uses newer F250 Dana 60s: https://www.skysoffroaddesign.com/products/chevy-sas-sd

A CUCV would be really nice, but those are getting extremely rare now.

I know that with money and time you can take any vehicle and build it for off-road, but what's a good vehicle to start with? Not necessarily a GMT400 question. I've always thought I wanted a Jeep, but I don't really know anything about them. I'm thinking a TJ from late 90s to early 2000s? Something I can literally buy and go to the beginner trails with and upgrade parts later? I see guys upgrading to a Dana 60/14 bolt (aka: the one ton axle swap) and it doesn't seem that difficult; parts come from 2000s F250/350 for the Dana 60 and literally any o'l 14 bolt will work. Both are very easy to find at any local wrecking yard, so that's a plus.

I guess what I'm asking is: should I build what I have or look elsewhere?
 

Erik the Awful

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Budget-wise, I think the Jeep Cherokees are still the cheapest capable option. I think Wranglers are the best option, but you don't find decent running YJs or TJs for under $5k. I think a K1500 wouldn't be a bad start.

If you don't already watch Dirt Every Day, I'd recommend it. They buy all kinds of junk and take it to the trails.
 

0xDEADBEEF

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Most important question ... are you going to drive it to the trails or tow it?
 

stutaeng

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Most important question ... are you going to drive it to the trails or tow it?
I hadn't thought about that. I would say drive to the trails with about a 2 hour drive, but towing it if we go to a farther place like Big Bend or somewhere way far.
 

351FUN

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How about a lifted, twin turbo Taurus? For real though, XJ's are hard to beat, and I'm enjoying my Blazer for off road. I like small, nimble trucks. I'd always recommend a Bronco but the prices on them have always been higher, and lately they're insane.


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0xDEADBEEF

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I'll just say that the UTVs are hard to beat on the trails. They ride so soft and go almost anywhere. If you break it, you can still make it home in the tow rig.

I've had CJ7,YJ,JK,JT. I never owned a TJ, but it's kind of a mix between the YJ and JK. You can't really go wrong with Wrangler, but they will soak up your disposable income. :)
 

Anubis

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Unfortunately GMT400’s do not make the best rock crawlers or all out trail rigs due to the Front and rear approach angles. Jeeps are popular because The wheels are pushed out towards the front and rear. They have weak drive trains and engines but that can be remedied.
Have you ever watched Fab rats or Matts off-road recovery you tube channels? There is a lot of really good info there.


 

stutaeng

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Unfortunately GMT400’s do not make the best rock crawlers or all out trail rigs due to the Front and rear approach angles. Jeeps are popular because The wheels are pushed out towards the front and rear. They have weak drive trains and engines but that can be remedied.
Have you ever watched Fab rats or Matts off-road recovery you tube channels? There is a lot of really good info there.


Agreed.

Yep, big fan of Matts Off Road Recovery. Recently I discovered Fab Rats. I also used to watch BSF Recovery Team.

Have also watched a few LS swapped Jeeps videos on YT. Very nice!
 

MrPink

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Jeep XJ or ZJ. I've owned both and they are really capable. I have also owned YJ and TJ wranglers, and they are awesome as well, but lack the space to carry gear and passengers.
 
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