Dahlia47 wrote:I like older vehicles, and a simpler engine...its what we used on the mountain growing up.
My current truck is a nissan frontier 2014 . HUsband has a 2009 nissan titan. The plastic parts come lose crack the sensors always fail and need replaced. I also prefer a standard transmission. That is very hard to find in new vehicles.
There are no shortage of advantages to newer vehicles. Abundant safety tech, and in theory anyway improved fuel efficiency. However honestly gas mileage does not appear to be the slightest concern of any of the MFGs as that seems to be stagnant, and in the overall scope is radicallyd own from the 1980s.
However the advantages of the classics can not be overstated. They are vastly simpler machines that are designed for owner / operator maintennance / repair.
The main issue is that the market isn't really there to make it worthwhile for a manufacturer to design, build, and market a truly affordable, simple to maintain, rugged, and capable off roader. THe market has pushed for basically bloated station wagons.
To get what you want, you will want to source up a classic, and honestly, get into a restoration project on it. A full on, proper restoration, and honestly careful maintenance will get and keep you in the vehicle you desire.
What you are looking for is as I understand it.
#1. No, or at least minimal computer controls.
#2. Solid axle 4 wheel drive, or at the worst, Fords Twin Traction Beam axle 4wd.
#3. Body on frame construction.
#4. Ability to haul camping gear, but not be too big. I.E. no Suburbans or Travelalls.
#5. Ability to be repaired if needed on the side of the road with basic tools and automotive skills that have been established for over 100 years.
#6. The basic modern vehicle comforts. Roll up windows, heater, air conditioner, power steering, power brakes.
#7. Manual transmission.
#8. Ability to tow.
#9. Good off roading ability.
To me, that means a pre 1985 Full size 2 door body on frame SUV, International Harvester Scout 2, Scout 2 Traveleler, Chevrolet K5 Blazer / GMC Jimmy, Full Size Ford Bronco, Dodge Ramcharger / Plymouth Trail Duster are your options.
Of that list, the Scout 2, and Scout 2 Traveller tend to have the highest tow rating, and factory specs wise tended to being overbuilt, and simplisticly designed.
Assuming you can find a good example to restore and modify, and mind you this would be my desires speaking here, I would...
#1. Keep the 345 Cu/in V8, if it lacks the 345, get one, rebuilt properly, and swap it in. Here is where the little eelectronics come into play though. Swap in a throttle body type injection such as a Holley Pro-Jection setup. Carburretors are fine, but a simple, well tuned EFI setup will give you more power, better fuel econnomy, and less maintnenance hassles. You will likely need new exhaust by now. Do a proper dual exhaust with crossover pipe for best power and torque. No need for loud gnarly mufflers, pick some nice ones...
#2. Twin stick that Dana model 300 transfer case, this will allow you to select 4wd separate from hi and low ranges, so you get 2wd low if you want.
#3. Selectable locking differentials. The Dana model 44 differentials on the Scouts have full aftermarket support. Pick a good one. ARB are nice but super expensive. E-lockers are a push button affair and a lot less expensive.
#4. Work with your local transmission experts on what the best manual swaps nowadays are. I would go with at least a beefed up Borg Warner T5 5 speed manual IF I were to go manual, however spinal issues say automatic for me...
#5. Give it at least a 4" spring lift with sufficient fender trimming and flares to run 33x12.50 tires. No need to go bigger as you are towing, and honestly, you go much bigger, you will likely end up taking the rig to where you will end up with some expensive damage.
#6. Don't neglect self recovery equipment. Winch, Traction boards and mounts, various snatch blocks, straps, etc...
#7. Obviously don't neglect the towing, Including the wiring, hitch etc...
#8. External spare tire mount. This would be a good place for a swing away style spare tire carrier, with Jerry cans for spare fuel on either side of the spare.
I never really liked the standard Scout 2 grille, but there are reproductions available of the SS2 grille that look awesome to boot.
Anyway, that is the direction I would go with a Scout 2. The Scout 2 Traveller is a variation on the same rig, just longer with a fiberglass instead of a steel roof...
There are still companies out there that specialize in these rigs. The one my family has used, my brother is a big Scout guy as well, is Super Scout Specialists.
https://www.superscoutspecialists.com/