Advice on a beach vehicle

Discussion in 'All Discussions' started by CBSCREWBY, Dec 17, 2014.

  1. CBSCREWBY

    CBSCREWBY Well-Known Member

    Feb 21, 2012
    I know this forum is usually used strictly for medical advice, but I thought I'd ask any way.

    Sold my last VW bus and I'm looking for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Fun, Cheap, Reliable... Looking at first generation Toyota 4Runners. Looking primarily @ the 4 cylinder 22RE engines.

    I've owned a lot of American Muscle, air and an assortment of water cooled German toys;
    I know NOTHING about 4x4s. I want to use the vehicle on the North End of CB.

    I know many of you are know your sh!t about this, so I'm using your knowledge as part of my research.

    Thanks!
    Screwby
     
  2. sbx

    sbx Well-Known Member

    977
    Mar 21, 2010
    Unless you are dead set on the removable top, I would look at 3rd gen 4runners.
     

  3. dreamsofpakalas

    dreamsofpakalas Well-Known Member

    66
    Jun 4, 2014
    would have to disagree. 1st gen are killers. engine and 4x4 last forever. along as proper maint. 4x4 can get you through anything. hard to find these w/o rust everywhere though. removable top is rad too.
     
  4. sbx

    sbx Well-Known Member

    977
    Mar 21, 2010
    I agree they're great, it's just that you are probably looking at 200k+ miles, and it's hard to find one that hasn't been beat on and (like you said) rusted out. And if you do find a good one, it won't be cheap.
     
  5. CBSCREWBY

    CBSCREWBY Well-Known Member

    Feb 21, 2012
    Found some between 3K and 4K dollars. High miles but I heard the engines are bullet proof. I'm down south so rust isn't as big of an issue. Yeah, my wife digs the removable top option.
     
  6. ClemsonSurf

    ClemsonSurf Well-Known Member

    Dec 10, 2007
    Pics please.
     
  7. CBSCREWBY

    CBSCREWBY Well-Known Member

    Feb 21, 2012
  8. aka pumpmaster

    aka pumpmaster Well-Known Member

    Apr 30, 2008
    or a pickup too. can always get a topper
     
  9. garbanzobean

    garbanzobean Well-Known Member

    257
    Sep 15, 2010
    Just whatever you do don't get a 4by4 with a modified suspension if you want it to last. Lifts -suspension or body- put a strain on the whole system. U-joints are over worked, blocks and shackles are weak, seals get pushed to one side and leak and the trucks just roll over easier from the higher center of gravity. OK if you are only driving a couple of miles but surfaris are questionable and you had better have an auto club card. Even extra large wheels and tires create more leverage on the drivetrain and change wheel angles especially on the front end that will make it wander all over and make tires wear funky. Stock unmolested trucks work best in the long run.
     
  10. aka pumpmaster

    aka pumpmaster Well-Known Member

    Apr 30, 2008
    lifts are fine if done correctly. its the shade tree, 'go cheap' ones that have problems
     
  11. Towelie

    Towelie Well-Known Member

    Nov 27, 2014
    Just my .02 - I love my FJ. Best truck/car I've ever had.
     
  12. CBSCREWBY

    CBSCREWBY Well-Known Member

    Feb 21, 2012
    Looked @ 80's Land Cruisers but $ or rust is a problem. plus can't go topless. Pumpmaster, I thought about the pick-up route but really like the extra seating/topless effect.
    Thanks for the info on the lift kits and tires.
     
  13. aka pumpmaster

    aka pumpmaster Well-Known Member

    Apr 30, 2008
    Jeep Wrangler I-6 is an option too. Pretty bullet proof.
     
  14. Special Whale Glue

    Special Whale Glue Well-Known Member

    Oct 8, 2011
    CBS, sounds like you already figured it out. I had a 94 22re pickup. Sandy ate it. Until that point it was, by far, the most reliable vehicle I've owned. I had it on the beach constantly. Good luck finding one. The worthy ones usually sell for over book value.
     
  15. haole

    haole Member

    21
    Nov 14, 2014
    Even though you don't have anything yet, I would go ahead and buy a pass from the hardware store. They don't check plate numbers or anything. They will double in price in a few days.
     
  16. sbx

    sbx Well-Known Member

    977
    Mar 21, 2010
    Forgot this. Must be nice.
     
  17. CBSCREWBY

    CBSCREWBY Well-Known Member

    Feb 21, 2012
    Diggin Deep, Thanks for heads up!
     
  18. haole

    haole Member

    21
    Nov 14, 2014
    Welcome. Also if you're a v dub guy what about a Manx? No top and low weight. You may run into problems when it's all dry and rutted out up there though. Maybe airlock or something? I've seen sand rails and bajas up there before it was freeman park and so heavily policed... And free...
     
  19. Ryan McCall

    Ryan McCall Well-Known Member

    251
    Aug 10, 2014
    get something japanese made with very little "fluff." Old 5/6 speed yotas with power nothing, manual locking hubs, manual windows, manual everything. 4x4s get the **** kicked out of them, and having more electronics just makes them an expensive ***** to work on.

    I liked my jeep, but at 07 it was too new and it sucked my bank account dry with real off road use. Beach driving is hard on transmissions, so something with a manual trans tends to last longer and is cheaper to fix when you melt the bearings together from plowing through soft stuff
     
  20. Sniffer

    Sniffer Well-Known Member

    Sep 20, 2010
    I have a had bunch of 4x4 suvs in my day. They all broke down and did not last long.

    I now only get pickups with solid suspensions. They are made to get beat up. My suggestion is to stay away from suvs…go pickup and put a top on it.