100 value (1 Viewer)

[Cruiserdrew]

Shotts-the Norcal Wagons group is going to do the Rubicon starting Sept 22. We will have a mix of 40's, 80's and one 100(Amando). You would be welcome to come along. The Gatekeeper looks worse than it is, that is assuming you have sliders which are the key to a safe passage. It is well named and representative of the other problem spots you will face along the trail.

By the way-I think I read that Spressoman is local too (Reno?) you would be welcome as well. Seriously, the Rubicon is hard, but not that hard. Usually by late summer the Jeep Jamboree groups have filled in many of the holes. Additionally the water will have mostly dried up, and other than the dust and cool nights, it will be a perfect time to do the trail.

Check out Alvaro's pics from June, in tough conditions. The pic of all of us exhaused after day one is priceless! The conditions will be better in Sept.
http://homepage.mac.com/alvarorb/PhotoAlbum94.html

 

[uzj100]

xterra vs 100.

One of the most important factors is the width, 100 is 76.4 wide and the xterra is 72.8 wide. This is a huge difference when it comes to back seat room.

uzj100

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Shotts-the Norcal Wagons group is going to do the Rubicon starting Sept 22. We will have a mix of 40's, 80's and one 100(Amando). You would be welcome to come along. The Gatekeeper looks worse than it is, that is assuming you have sliders which are the key to a safe passage. It is well named and representative of the other problem spots you will face along the trail.

By the way-I think I read that Spressoman is local too (Reno?) you would be welcome as well. Seriously, the Rubicon is hard, but not that hard. Usually by late summer the Jeep Jamboree groups have filled in many of the holes. Additionally the water will have mostly dried up, and other than the dust and cool nights, it will be a perfect time to do the trail.

Check out Alvaro's pics from June, in tough conditions. The pic of all of us exhaused after day one is priceless! The conditions will be better in Sept.
http://homepage.mac.com/alvarorb/PhotoAlbum94.html

Thanks much for the invite. Sounds like a fun group!
1. My schedule is FULL into late October.
2. I actually have very LITTLE interest in taking my 100 onto the Rubicon or even back to Moab. I have the 80 for that. The 100 will stick to moderate-to-difficult trails and vacations. I need to use my 80 more and focus it down trails I built in for. Rubicon = 80 in my book. IF the 100 sees Moab again it'll be on 3-3.5 rated trails.

WISH I COULD GO WITH YA!
GO AMANDO!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

And since I am going to be paying cash for the vehicle, I keep thinking conservative, which leads me to the 2002 4Runner, which can be had for about 20k with low mileage.

So after more thought and research (xterra resale value mostly), I am set on a 2002 4Runner or a 2001-2002 Land Cruiser. Time to start looking...

2002 4runner benefits: Lower cost, smaller size and better economy. Slightly more "trailable".
2001-2002 LC benefits: Larger and more comfortable. longer service life and greater durability. Downside is the initial investment (as is true, even when new).

As you may know, be very careful with the New 4Runner. The gas tank hangs down too far on the driver's side. Even 4Wheeler Magazine bent the snot out of it in their 3" lifted GX on 35's and it's capacity was reduced. Avoiding a diff is one thing but the breakover on the driver's side under the tank is poor as it was not designed for serious off-road use.
I learned 4Wheeling in a 4WD Mazda MPV with center locker. It too has the same design....the tank on the driver's side. This caused more problems on the trail than anything else (it was stock though). Knowing you, this might be an issue.

 

[expeditionswest]

I am not interested in the 2003 and newer 4runner. Great vehicles, just not my taste...

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I am not interested in the 2003 and newer 4runner. Great vehicles, just not my taste...

Oh, the older one. Sweet! I want a ride.

 

[Greg B]

Oooo, I luv that dark green of Greg B's, AND I wanted something with that lower mileage. I know if both sat in the driveway I'll still get into mine. The though of spending $25K to get something with 25,000 less miles than mine just didn't add up. I think we can use that dough more effectively later. (Considering my 100 is already 4 years old)

Sorry Juke... Since Shotts is out, I'm going to go ahead and build mine up now.