I'm at a crossroad

[mattafact]

So here's my story. I finish the coursework for my MS in about 2 weeks and I just got fired and evicted from the family business last week (LONG story!). Also, my fiance hates her job and wants to quit. This seems like a perfect opportunity to sell off all our crap and drive the PanAmerican highway. I sold my Tundra yesterday to get rid of that payment. When I sell my recording studio equipment that will take care of the rest of our non student loan debt.

As for vehicles go, I have a reliable cruiser but with 37s and 5.29s it's just too big for a trip that long. Do I sell the cruiser and take my also reliable but beater 22re 4runner (2nd gen 2 door) or do I try and sell my axles, tires and lift and go with stock parts and take the cruiser?

The cruiser has the space and the comfort and AC. The 4runner is small but gets 22mpg and since it's so ugly it shouldn't attract too much attention.

What do you guys think? Decisions, decisions.

 

[ScottyDog]

Man... was it your family's business or someone elses family business that you were let go from?? Either way sorry to hear that... Anyway, I found the following online... I would just do it.. Just for the sake of expense I would take the 4 Runner as long as it's in tip-top running condition... Good luck on your final decision...Driving to Costa Rica - Pan American Highway | Tico Times Directory Blog

 

[Brentbba]

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[kovsky]

Matt, sorry to hear that... Tough call on what to do. I hear you on the attention the cruiser will get but then again it is a sweet ride.

You want my running boards or stock springs let me know I am giving them away...

 

[pinoytoys]

Bummer buddy. I'd say go 4.88 and 35s and take the cruiser.

 

[mattafact]

Man... was it your family's business or someone elses family business that you were let go from?? Either way sorry to hear that... Anyway, I found the following online... I would just do it.. Just for the sake of expense I would take the 4 Runner as long as it's in tip-top running condition... Good luck on your final decision...Driving to Costa Rica - Pan American Highway | Tico Times Directory Blog

My family's business. I'm leaning towards the 4runner for the gas mileage.

 

[bluto]

My family's business. I'm leaning towards the 4runner for the gas mileage.

This would be the only reason to consider the 4r.
80 for the Comfort and a/c. These would be a big plus on a long trip and would
make interpersonal relationships inside the truck bearable - especially when leaving a "situation".

 

[mattafact]

This would be the only reason to consider the 4r.
80 for the Comfort and a/c. These would be a big plus on a long trip and would
make interpersonal relationships inside the truck bearable - especially when leaving a "situation".

That is true. If I end up selling my axles, lift, and tires then taking the cruiser gets much more practical.

 

[mattafact]

Ok, so I've decided to sell my tires, wheels, lift, and axles. If I then decide to sell the cruiser I won't feel like I got raped with all the money I spent in the last month on it.

(5) 37x12.5x17 BFG KM2s on Tundra/Sequoia rims. 1 trail ride, about 500 street miles. $2000

E-locked axles with 5.29s, ALL new bearings, rebuilt knuckles, new brakes. Set up by Yotamasters about a month ago. About 1500 miles on them. Basically a brand new set of axles. $2000 and trade for your stock e-locked axles.

If someone buys both I'll throw in the lift too if they trade me for their stock parts. OME Js front and rear with Rancho RS9000s.

 

[Bluetribal]

Good luck with the sales. I think the Cruiser would make for a nice comfey Expedition.....

 

[mattafact]

Good luck with the sales. I think the Cruiser would make for a nice comfey Expedition.....

I agree but the gas mileage doesn't agree with my budget at the moment.

 

[80BajaBound]

take the cruiser! I wish I could join you. A friend of mine just did it on a motorcycle he bought in Panama. He said he wouldn't trade the experience for any amount of money.

 

[mattafact]

It's damn tempting. With 282k on the clock it worries me a bit though.

 

[fjc8871]

Do it Matt! Take the 80! I am thinking of coming down from 5" to 3" and regearing. Your axles are tempting!

 

[mattafact]

You want my axles. You need my axles. They'll keep you warm at night. All new bearings. No funny noises. I'll even make you a deal on my Js as I'm going back to stock.

 

[fjc8871]

Hmmmmmmm.....

 

[mattafact]

My 37s would look mighty nice on your rig too.

 

[fjc8871]

I forgot you are running 37amd geared more than 4.88 that I am looking at. Dang!

 

[mattafact]

It's time to step your game up. Real men run 37s with 5.29s. Chicks dig that too. 5.29s are known pantie droppers.

 

[fjc8871]

It's time to step your game up. Real men run 37s with 5.29s. Chicks dig that too. 5.29s are known pantie droppers.

Hilarious!!