truck or jeep

[Mike in Virginia]

I've always had pickups.  Always wanted a Jeep.  Traded my truck for a regular Jeep.  I found out real quick that although it does better in the woods than a truck, it did not have posi-traction.  Had that installed.  A big difference.  Then I bought traded for a new Rubicon.  Lordy, it was impossible to get it stuck.  I found myself going into places I had no reason to be, just to experience the thrill.  But in hunting season, I never had a reason to lock those axles.  Started thinking about all the stuff I couldn't haul.  Ended up with a 2012 Nissan Frontier 4X4, no locking axles.  I've had it a year and ain't got stuck yet in those places I really need to go.  I miss the fun of a Jeep, but I need the daily versatility of a truck.  I think I have traded for the last time. 
How about you?

[SHOOTALL]

I always wanted a jeep until I rode in and drove one. I'm a big guy and they have no room . The dog advised aginst it also as she likes her room also.

[45-70.gov]

room?
whats that??

[SHOOTALL]

where the cooler , dog box and dead deer go 

[Larry L]

Well Mike, I'm not a Nissan fan although they do make some of the best engines in the world. But the Frontier is far and away the best truck in that segment. Yeah, I know, lots of Toyota owners would like to argue the point but I see it from and R&D perspective and the Nissan is miles ahead of second place. Take the engine, the 4.0 V6. It's been on Wards Ten Best Engines in the world for a long time. Considering it's coupled to the same transmission that's behind the big V8 of the Titan and you have a pretty stout drive train. The only weak link is the aluminum housing of the front axle. It won't take a beating but most all of the other makers use the same casing material so there's no advantage. There's also no important recalls on the Frontier and what says it best about a Frontier- try to buy a used one. There aren't any. Folks like them so much they don't get rid of them.
In regards to the Jeep, I've had those as well. I didn't particularly like the concept after driving them for a while. They're over hyped transportation as that's about all you can do with one. I'm back in a 4 door truck and wouldn't consider another Jeep style vehicle. I did keep an old FC170 Jeep cabover pickup I had that tows behind the truck for the 4x4 when necessary. And like most Jeeps properly equipped, it'll almost run straight up and go places you won't walk.

[Lloyd Smale]

I love my jeep. I dont think id ever be without one again. That been said id couldnt live with one for a primary vehicle. there loud, rough riding, underpowered on the highway, gets pour gas milage, about dangerous on icy roads and a workout to drive long distances. Mine is more of a toy. Its used when i dont need my truck or want to go places my truck wont go. Its kind of like a big 4 wheeler to me. cool thing is its a 4 wheeler that i can pack up my wife and dog and go to camp down the highway with the heater on in cold weather and a roof over my head in the rain. Another advantage is its allways a back up vehicle when the truck or car are down for repairs. Id have to say though that if push came to shove and i had to keep only one vehicle it would have to be my truck.

[SHOOTALL]

How do you think the jeep compares to the SXS ATV's ?

[cwlongshot]

The biggest net comparing a SxS to a jeep is road legal everywhere. The SxS is not!

I have had jeeps almost exclusively since the early 90's. before that FS pickups. Now I'm back to a FS pickup. For me it was room for things and the ability to keep them secure. When you drive a rag top you just need to get used to no security. You don't leave anything g in there you cannot afford to loose. That's a drag at hunti g season. For extra room I added a receiver hitch haul. Worked perfect for deer.

As for the traction your spot on my jeeps ALL had at least a locker most selectable locker in the back. I absolutely love and highly recommend a Detroit Locker in the rear of any and all LWD automatic pick up trucks. It is THE BEST THING you am do for added traction. BAR NONE as its automatic and almost 100% I via able daily driving under normal conditions. If your a lead foot, yes you will know its there. If you have really good ears you will hear it "wratchet" in the corners. But that just tells ya it's there and it is NOT a loud clicking. Up front a good limited slip is FAR BETTER for most drivers. Driving a vehicle with F&R locked axles can be dangerous for the inexperienced! ESPECIALLY in a SWB vehicle like a Jeep!!!

I survived so lone with my jeep because I made a good trailer!




CW

[quasne.inc]

I loved my Wrangler and my Cherokee.  They were great and could go anywhere.  But they were about the least practical vehicles I ever owned.  If I ever have enough money to be able to afford an extra vehicle just for the fun of it I'll get another.  But until then I'll never be without a truck again.  They are just so much more versatile. 

[Lloyd Smale]

Jeep is much more practical and will go ALMOST anywhere a sxs will. Where the sxs has an advantage to me is performance. At least in the case of my rzr. Its fun like driving a dune buggy and the jeep is much more at home on slow lowrange trails.

How do you think the jeep compares to the SXS ATV's ?

[FPH]

Have a buddy who has been a Jeep owner since the late 60s.  He bought a FJ last year and says it is far superior to any jeep he has owned.  My PU is on the Jeep recovery team.....Jeep owners think they can go anywhere.

[cwlongshot]

Have a buddy who has been a Jeep owner since the late 60s.  He bought a FJ last year and says it is far superior to any jeep he has owned.  My PU is on the Jeep recovery team.....Jeep owners think they can go anywhere.

I can tell you with 100% honesty I have driven the TJ jeep in my pic places I could NOT WALK!  Now that Jeep has Locking axles front and rear W 4.56;1 gearing, the transfer case is modified with 4:1 gears(4 times reduced),  and 2WD low. Allowing me to run power to either axle independently of the other, The 4:1 gearing combined with the 4:56 gears and a 5:80 first gear, allow my jeep to crawl slower than a walking pace.

Now anything can get stuck, but a smart, technical driver anticipates things and avoids scenarios where getting stuck is a probibility. I can also tell you altho I have used my winch is some circumatances to get me thru a obstical. I have never needed it to pull me out of a "stuck".







CW

[Ranger99]

depends on the geography.
if you don't need 4x4 daily,
i wouldn't want a jeep as
my one and only. that said,
no way i'd give 10,000 plus
for an atv when i could get
a street legal 4x4 for 4000.00.
jeep over SXS easy choice.

[FPH]

When I say a FJ over a Jeep, I mean stock for stock.  An articulated Jeep stuffed with a 302 or 350, lockers modded tranny, modded brakes and the right gears is in a different class.  If you haven't been stuck, you haven't been wheelin very hard.

[kynardsj]

The one in the picture is my go everywhere, do everything Wrangler Sport. With the back seat removed and my hitch hauler in place it hauls all I need to carry. Just about the most fun vehicle I have ever owned or driven. I occasionally miss the room to haul more in a pick up but it doesn't last long.

[Lloyd Smale]

My jeep isnt as set up as most. Its got a 2 inch lift with 31s on it. Just a 4 banger with stock 410s but i did put a locker in the front and a winch on it. Like cwlongshot ive yet to use mine because I was stuck. Do a go places i did when i was 25 NO! But ive been in a few pretty serious places with mine and its allways amazed me. It will walk right  through places my truck would only go with the gas peddle matted! Its so much lighter and wth the short wheelbase it has about a perfect weight balance for traction and will turn about twice as tight.

[cwlongshot]

  If you haven't been stuck, you haven't been wheelin very hard.

That's about as true a statement as one saying body damage is required... LEARN to drive. You have eyes and a brain, not just a right foot and feelers!  Think "SLOW AS YOU CAN, FAST AS YOU HAVE TO".  My jeep was on its side twice. BOTH times I failed to read the terrain.  I only lost a mirror the first time. Switched to CJ style mirrors and second time some years later only has scratches.
IMHO, Wheeling hard is a stupid comment. It's a tester fostering junkie youngsters opinion. I have shown a number of such minded youngsters the error of that thinking.

Remember the joke about the old and young bull on the hillside overlooking some cows. Young says to old, gets run down there and have one of those cows... Old timer says, naw, lets walk down and have them all.....

CW

[Old Syko]

  If you haven't been stuck, you haven't been wheelin very hard.

That's about as true a statement as one saying body damage is required... LEARN to drive. You have eyes and a brain, not just a right foot and feelers!  Think "SLOW AS YOU CAN, FAST AS YOU HAVE TO".  My jeep was on its side twice. BOTH times I failed to read the terrain.  I only lost a mirror the first time. Switched to CJ style mirrors and second time some years later only has scratches.
IMHO, Wheeling hard is a stupid comment. It's a tester fostering junkie youngsters opinion. I have shown a number of such minded youngsters the error of that thinking.

Remember the joke about the old and young bull on the hillside overlooking some cows. Young says to old, gets run down there and have one of those cows... Old timer says, naw, lets walk down and have them all.....

CW

We hear the weekend experts boast about never being stuck and blowing smoke about their superior abilities all the time.  We just grin and move on.  Everything has its limits even my sons rig that has won it's share of competitions and seen it's share of weekend wheeling.  The FACT remains.  If you ain't been stuck It's not about superior abilities it's just that you haven't been wheelin hard enough.   Were happy to go any time for a demo.

[SHOOTALL]

my sons dodge 2500 with 6 inch lift , lockers front and rear seems to do well. Got stuck in lake once  and a few times in mud about 4 ft deep. My old ford with lockers front and rear did well it had no lift and only 31 , 10-50 's so I didn't root much but it was great in deep snow    only locked in one front wheel or you could not steer it  But nither could go between trees as close together as a jeep can 

[Old Syko]

The common sense point to all this is that everything has it's limitations.  Neighbor has to haul a 550 gal. stock tank back a trail that is too narrow for his 4x4 tractor.  His jeep with a trailer wouldn't stand a chance.  Yet we have to either use the jeep or a quad to run a pickup hose to the pond because there isn't enough road to fit the truck.  We'd have to blast rock to widen the road.  Side by sides and quads face off with similar issues because of size and towing and hauling ability.  You have to determine your needs and use the correct tool for the job.  We try to keep enough tools around to git-r-done no matter the requirements.

[Bugflipper]

I don't care for wranglers very much. On the rough trails around here it is common for them to break down and clog the trail up. I don't mind helping anyone in a bad spot. It's just a pain because it is so often. The cherokees do pretty good. It's always the yj and tj with a lift and bigger tires that breaks an axle or rear end. On the normal trails I like them just fine. Most jeep drivers I've ran into off road are good folks. I don't think I'd want one myself though unless they put that diesel in them that they sale on the European market. So I guess if it is only current production vehicles I would chose a truck. I would probably have to go with the frontier since they make them about an hour away. And most of the parts to build it are made within a few hundred miles. Can't say the same about American trucks.

[hillbill]

im just a ordinary guy, i hunt and fish and run around in the woods on my 40 acres. i have long wanted a jeep, like the looks of them like their handleing in the woods and sum of the newer ones drive and ride just fine on the road.i would not be doin long trips in one or a pickup either.
 
my prob is they just dont fit what i need. i pull my med sized boat, which a jeep will do but a pickup will do better. sometimes i haul a lot of tools, dead deer, wood, iron,hay,camping equipment etc.and pull a 16 ft trailer with lumber, tin etc on it.a jeep does not werk well for that stuff. i still like them but just dont ever see me owning one.
 
the best pick up i ever had was a 98 nissan frontier.it did everything i needed and did it well.it was a very nice truck and that was the problem. it was just too nice and dent/sctratch free to be running around in the woods with.i traded it for a 93 chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 and drawed a lot of boot.it does everything i need and it is pre dented and sctratched so i dont have to worry about hurting it.
 
it all boils down to what yu need a vehicle to do. if a jeep with its limited room and cargo capactity fits yur bill then buy one.i have a buddy who has a nice one and he loves it but he doesnt do the stuff i do.he likes to park it in my yard and try to make my buy one!

[cwlongshot]

  If you haven't been stuck, you haven't been wheelin very hard.

That's about as true a statement as one saying body damage is required... LEARN to drive. You have eyes and a brain, not just a right foot and feelers!  Think "SLOW AS YOU CAN, FAST AS YOU HAVE TO".  My jeep was on its side twice. BOTH times I failed to read the terrain.  I only lost a mirror the first time. Switched to CJ style mirrors and second time some years later only has scratches.
IMHO, Wheeling hard is a stupid comment. It's a tester fostering junkie youngsters opinion. I have shown a number of such minded youngsters the error of that thinking.

Remember the joke about the old and young bull on the hillside overlooking some cows. Young says to old, gets run down there and have one of those cows... Old timer says, naw, lets walk down and have them all.....

CW

We hear the weekend experts boast about never being stuck and blowing smoke about their superior abilities all the time.  We just grin and move on.  Everything has its limits even my sons rig that has won it's share of competitions and seen it's share of weekend wheeling.  The FACT remains.  If you ain't been stuck It's not about superior abilities it's just that you haven't been wheelin hard enough.   Were happy to go any time for a demo.

Oldsyko,
 Your boys rig is a very impressive rock hound buggy!  Its built to concure totaly unrealistic terrain for any remotely stock vehicle.... 

When the average guy drives off road one does NOT remove common sence... If you look at something unsafe or simply too dangerious. You find a different route. That's just smart.
In compatition, like your speaking about, that is NOT a option and IMHO, not the "gist"of this thread. I have watched these compatitions and they are truly amazing what these drivers and machines can do!! I enjoy them alot, but compairing what your sons machine can do to my well setup TJ, is like saying you race a Lemans car....wanna race me in your Mustang/Camaro/Charger??

How about my counter challange.. Two/three 35mph (Speed limits) loops around the local Police Departments...on the street.    Good reads Brother!

CW

[Lloyd Smale]

common problem with the type of jeep owner that wants all show and isnt worried about the go. the stock dana 35 rear just isnt stout enough to handle big tires and a posi. the dana 30s in the front are a bit better but still questionable. to do it right you need at least dana 44s on both ends or at least to spend near as much to put good axle shafts and parts in your exisiting axles. I wouldnt run a tire bigger then a 32 inch with a stock setup and would be nervous about even that with a locker and a 35. EVERY jeep should come with 44s like the rubicons. But then most jeeps are driven by yuppys and high school girls and never see any real 4 wheeling.

I don't care for wranglers very much. On the rough trails around here it is common for them to break down and clog the trail up. I don't mind helping anyone in a bad spot. It's just a pain because it is so often. The cherokees do pretty good. It's always the yj and tj with a lift and bigger tires that breaks an axle or rear end. On the normal trails I like them just fine. Most jeep drivers I've ran into off road are good folks. I don't think I'd want one myself though unless they put that diesel in them that they sale on the European market. So I guess if it is only current production vehicles I would chose a truck. I would probably have to go with the frontier since they make them about an hour away. And most of the parts to build it are made within a few hundred miles. Can't say the same about American trucks.

[cwlongshot]

common problem with the type of jeep owner that wants all show and isnt worried about the go. the stock dana 35 rear just isnt stout enough to handle big tires and a posi. the dana 30s in the front are a bit better but still questionable. to do it right you need at least dana 44s on both ends or at least to spend near as much to put good axle shafts and parts in your exisiting axles. I wouldnt run a tire bigger then a 32 inch with a stock setup and would be nervous about even that with a locker and a 35. EVERY jeep should come with 44s like the rubicons. But then most jeeps are driven by yuppys and high school girls and never see any real 4 wheeling.

I don't care for wranglers very much. On the rough trails around here it is common for them to break down and clog the trail up. I don't mind helping anyone in a bad spot. It's just a pain because it is so often. The cherokees do pretty good. It's always the yj and tj with a lift and bigger tires that breaks an axle or rear end. On the normal trails I like them just fine. Most jeep drivers I've ran into off road are good folks. I don't think I'd want one myself though unless they put that diesel in them that they sale on the European market. So I guess if it is only current production vehicles I would chose a truck. I would probably have to go with the frontier since they make them about an hour away. And most of the parts to build it are made within a few hundred miles. Can't say the same about American trucks.

I agree 100%

Personally I have seen D35's take allot. I broke mine with 31's and the stock LS!!! On the same topic the D35C in my MJ lived a long time with a lunch box locker and 33x9.50 pizza cutters! Now it's got a D44 from a wagioneer W/a full Detroit and 4;56 Dana gears.

Easy bolt in swap for the front that holds up well is a hi pinion D30 from a XJ. It's a bolt in for a TJ. Upgrade it farther with allow shafts. Upgrade further with more splines in carrier and allow shafts. This is what I have in my TJ.  I also have a D44 sitting in garage if the HipoD30 fails.

Out back is not as easy. You could find a stock D44. But the tubes and shafts are still tiny.  I went 31 spline Ford 8.8. BUT this thing is near as big as a D60 but not quite as strong. There are a number of options for a good rear but all will require a guy to properly weld on the proper bracketery.

CW

[Old Syko]

common problem with the type of jeep owner that wants all show and isnt worried about the go. the stock dana 35 rear just isnt stout enough to handle big tires and a posi. the dana 30s in the front are a bit better but still questionable. to do it right you need at least dana 44s on both ends or at least to spend near as much to put good axle shafts and parts in your exisiting axles. I wouldnt run a tire bigger then a 32 inch with a stock setup and would be nervous about even that with a locker and a 35. EVERY jeep should come with 44s like the rubicons. But then most jeeps are driven by yuppys and high school girls and never see any real 4 wheeling.

This is about the size of it and even then the diffs are only part of the problem.  No matter how well built an offroad vehicle is there is always a fuse.  Go to a Dana or Spicer or a 14 bolt corporate and you just move the fuse.  Dinky drive shafts, small yokes, weak ujoints, tiny hubs are all attached to the cutest little tinker toy transfer case and transmission.  You get all this covered and you don't have enough power to turn it all.  Most have to be happy to trail ride and call it serious off roading.  The jeep jamborees are an excellent case in point.  Trail riding your spottless mall crawler and going wheeling are two different things.

[Lloyd Smale]

I hate jap vehicles but id sure love to see toyota bring back the original land crusiers. they could leave them just as they were with maybe an upgrade to a modern fuel injected v8. I used to do some serious 4 wheeling with a bunch of guys and those land cruisers were a hell of alot more rugged then a jeep. One buddy i had (he passed) had one with a 454 chev and a turbo 400 in it. the thing was an animal!

[chefjeff]

My dad said if you ever own a good truck,you'll never be without one.Thats been true for me.

[Doublebass73]

I have two Jeeps and no trucks so I'd say Jeep. I have a utility trailer for when I need to haul stuff. I haven't gone 4 wheeling in about 20 years but for daily drivers my Jeeps are great. I think half the reason I like Jeeps is because I love the sound of a straight six.

'99 Cherokee Sport 4.0 5-speed manual with 251K miles. This thing gets great gas mileage for a Jeep, usually 24 - 25 mpg average.

'05 Wrangler Unlimited 4.0 auto with Dana 44 3.73 posi rear/Dana 30 front. The longer wheelbase makes a huge difference in ride. Has the factory 30X9.5 tires which is all I need. This thing is amazing in the snow.

[SHOOTALL]

My dad said if you ever own a good truck,you'll never be without one.Thats been true for me.

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