Help choosing

[oneirishpollack]

Hey guys,
I am trying to decide on a good, all-purpose off-road vehicle. I would like something that is both beach and mud capable that has a little room to carry cargo. I believe the Samurai and some of the smaller Jeeps are out due to their size. Based on my budget, I have narrowed it down to an older Jeep Cherokee or K5 Blazer. I have about $5,000 to spend. What do you recommend? Besides models, what years should I consider? I live out in VA.

[PhilVV]

I would seriously look for a 1968 Ford Bronco, but since you are narrowing it down to the two mods I would say the Jeep due to the size of the K5. I like the 89 Cherokee. The after market parts are everywhere and in WA for 5000 you can pick up a real nice on..Good luck!!

[stump runner]

I've owned both a '77 full size cherokee chief and an '89 cherokee. Both with auto trans. Auto trans you can get away without regearing, but performance and economy will suffer.
'77 had an amc 360 v8 4" lift 35's and cut fenders. Dana 44's front and rear. Air down tires and went like a tank. Sold it because only 11 mpg highway. You should be able to find one cheep.
'89 had 4.0 I6 (highly recomended) stock suspension 31's. Very reliable. Family out grew it. I believe that with 2-3 lift and cut fenders (write ups on many sights) you could fit 33's easily, maybe 35's. Again, air down for sand. watch out for weak axles, v6 engine, some 5 speeds were fragile. should be able to find alot of parts at wrecking yards due to cash for clunker program.

[Peyton]

I live in Richmond and Va Beach, VA.

Buy a K5 Blazer. Its a Chevy, enough said. Cant tell you how many lifted jeeps and fords i've had to pull out of stuff that a stock chevy can go through.

[hunter1991]

[QUOTE=Peyton;1550905]Chevy, enough said.QUOTE]

i agree. with the k5 u get more strength than with the cherokees while lifts in the 80s generations are extremely cheap!u can get more lift for the same price of the jeeps and u can take the top off the truck in the summer which is really nice i beleive. if u get a 85-87 it has the tbi which is a fairly simple way of fuel injection and ive had good luck with it in all seasons. not to mention all around more power outta the V8 and id just say all around that the jeeps are just too small.... and ya cant tow as much as a full size

chevy all the way