Best older DD/Expedition vehicle

JohnC

JohnC

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2005
Location
Carthage, NC
Toyota Landcruiser FJ60 1981 - 87

Jeep Grand Wagoneer 1980's - 91

Looking at fine examples of both and thought I would solicit input. I am looking to create a solid depndable daily driver with "expedition" level build. That is, IMO, small lift, armor, selectable lockers, winch, to replace my current 2003 Jeep Rubicon. I do not like any of the newer, plastic coated rigs and have gained approval from the "home boss" to build one of the two of these to be our new family adventure vehicle.

Thoughts? Please give real answers rather than "Jeeps suck" or "Toyotas suck"
 
Toyota

I am a big fan of Yotas. For a production vehicle they seem to be overbuilt compared to anything else. I have a 60 and love it. It takes a beating and still comes back for more. The 60 will have less cabin room than the Jeep though. I would guess that the Yota would be better on gas whereas the Jeep would have more power potentially.

For an expedition rig FJ60 would be it. There is a reason that the things are all over South America, Africa, and elsewhere.

GO YOTA AND DON'T LOOK BACK!!!:burnout::burnout::burnout:
 
GubNi said:
Pretty limited selection. What are your requirements? Maybe other SUVs would do a better job.
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Selected those two on the basis of rugged manufacture, solid front axle, available modification parts, four doors (family truckster), space, seeming reliability.

I have considered an older Chevy Suburban, but prefer the Jeep and Toyota due to looks and size. A more recent version of the Landcruiser might also fit the bill. A Cherokee or Grand Cherokee might also work. Either of those puts me ahead of the game a bit since I am familiar with the engine (I6, at least) and the suspension on both. I am looking for something a little different.

I feel certain that a mildly built version of either of the two vehicles I mentioned will accomplish what I am after. Just have begun looking and seem to be able to find decent ones out there for not too much $. I set a $ limit with my wife that should allow me to buy a nice solid vehicle and begin modifications. What mods are first realy depends on which vehicle, I suppose.

Thanks for the input, keep it coming.

John
 
frankenyoter said:
For an expedition rig FJ60 would be it. There is a reason that the things are all over South America, Africa, and elsewhere.
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Exactly. The legendary ruggedness of the older Toyotas is certainly a prime factor. I have seen a few running about that seem to be just right.

I am past the point in my wheeling where I need to go bigger and really enjoy being out on the trails, etc... A well built version of one of these two vehicles gives me access to the trails, room for the family and camping gear and a solid DD.

John
 
Well I'm a Jeep guy so take it for what it is worth but I would look at a late model Jeep Cherokee (XJ) or a 98 and newer Grand Cherokee (ZJ or WJ). You can't beat the after market support and used parts and pieces are plentiful. The suspensions are easy to modify and have tons of options. You have tons of choices for bumpers, skids, etc. I really don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

I've built a 91 Cherokee that I did long camping / expedition type stuff with and I also had a 98 grand that I used for similar uses but it wasn't built as much as the XJ. I plan to start another build at some point soon for me and the family and I will be basing it off of one of these vehicles.

Jeremey
 
I have to first say that I'm jealous lol. I have been wanting to build something like this for a long time and have recently been looking hard at waggys for this exact type of build. However I am very meticulous and picky about my rigs. I have found some nice waggys for a more than fair price, but the fact remains that they would all need more monetary attention than I am able to provide at this time to satisfy me, especially when it comes to dependability. That being said, it would still be my first choice for this type of build! They are one of the most comfortable rigs I've ever driven, and have the perfect size/space. I also looked at Burbs, but they are a little too big IMO. I am also a die hard believer in Toyota's, but I trust the mini stuff much more than the cruisers. I also feel like you get more for your money (value) with the waggy. Cruisers are def cool and I respect them, but the initial cost is out of sight, and thats mainly due to popularity and trends. I will be building a waggy like this once I'm done with school and am more established in my career.
My build plans are as fallows: 1st) find the most solid bodied and complete waggy I can for cheap (hopefully with a bad engine or tranny), 2nd) prepare for a 5.3L GM engine swap including a 4l60e and atlas or d300, by collecting the parts and wiring harness stuff. ( I strongly feel like this would be the single most effective mod that could be done for many reasons!!!) 3rd) Find a D60 rear and have it cut down to stock waggy width and converted to 6 lug ( or you could convert the front easily to 8 lug) slap on a disk conversion too. 4th) from here basically the rest of a standard build, suspension, steering, expo accessories, ect.
I personally would spring over the front on stock springs and make the rear match by whatever means necessary ( springs from another truck, shackle flip, custom alcans, whatever). If money was left over or no object, I would consider a linked front with coils and shocks to keep it a bit lower than a traditional SOA, maintain a nice ride quality, and forgo the maintenance involved with CO's or air shocks. I would still stick to leaves in the rear for load carrying capacity. I'm not sure if the waggy axles would have enough room for the coil buckets on the short side though, which might warrant going to full width axles, and I'm not sure that would be something I would want on an expo rig.
 
I have had a lot of 4x4s through the years and the Grand Waggy was the best riding and driving 4x4 I have ever had stock or modified. My biggest complaint about the waggy was the small gas tank.
 
If you are serious about it, an FJ-80 is the holy grail on expo vehicles in my opinion.

Throw on an old man emu kit, maybe some gears, tires, and a drawer/sleeping platform. Check out www.expeditionportal.com for more expo type builds.
 
I totally agree that an FZJ-80 is the most widely used in that application and a very nice rig for sure. But you tell me which you'd rather have for $8-10k a stock e-locked FJ or a clean waggy with a 5.3 and ARB's? vroom vroom lol :)

To OP: The man (^) is right, def check out expo forum. There is a wealth of cool things to read and check out over there
 
what ever you use it has to have the wire that runs from the brush guard to the roof rack. Not really a expo rig until it has that.
 
I like the old waggys. Had one and wish i never sold it.
 
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