Soon I will be investing my cash in a 4x4 and I want to make a wise decision. Most of it will be spent on purchasing the vehicle, some on upgrades/repairs/mods. Since the truck I end up with will likely have over 100k on the meter, I want to know what kind of situation I'm getting into. I see many 2 door full size Blazers, Jeep Grand Cherokees(Ltd V8's too), and full size Broncos for great prices, but I'm not sure what to expect out of these older, 10-15 yr old models with high mileage. Whatever I end up buying, I will need it to take me on hunting/camping trips towing light weight, and it should be capable of withstanding moderate off road abuse(nothing too severe but I still want to have some fun). Which would be the better, more reliable base to start with, and what are some weak points to look out for? I also plan on possibly dropping a sturdy manual tranny in it years down the line. Thanks for your time and happy wheeling!!!  

I would say any of the three you named would be great rides. You just have to ask yourself a few questions. Do you want a full-size suv or a mid-size? A full will carry alot more gear and provide a roomier cabin, and a higher towing capacity. Those are great advantages. Gas mileage and maneuverability are not. Do you really need a V-8? They provide more power and are cheaper to rebuild. Once again gas is an issue. I own a bronco and I love it. I have built it to go anywhere I want or need to go. I also owned a cherokee that was built to the same specs. The cherokee was easier on gas but it made for a sardine like ride on long weekend getaways. If it is just you getting away, a cherokee is great. If you plan to take the family or a group of your buddies, I would suggest a full-size. Each of the trucks you mentioned have been proven time and time again. Each have good and bad points. You just need to weigh the ups and downs, and decide for yourself.  

I agree with James. All the vehicles you named are great, the question comes down to what exactly do you want and what are you going to do with it.  

One of the big issues for me is durability and longevity. I want to be reasonably prepared for weaknesses in these 4x4's since they are older vehicles. For example, what are the problems you and others with full size broncos usually try to prevent? Or how about the Cherokee earlier mentioned(which I am also seriously considering)? That is where my knowledge falls short and your experience would prepare me to make a wiser decision. I recently came across a good looking 93 GMC Yukon 4x4 with trans problems for $1250 that seemed like a steal so i imagined dropping in a replacement or even swapping in a beefy standard tranny in its place. Is this a good idea or is it even possible? Any Grand Cherokee people out there with good or bad stories/lessons learned? I'd really enjoy your input. Thanks again for your time.  

The main thing to look for in finding a durable 4x4 is the axles. The yukon you mentioned sounds like a steal but the weak link in any of the post '86 GM product line is the IFS (independent front suspension). The front axle is setup like that of a front wheel drive car. I know you have heard that clicking coming from the front end of some little tuner car when they meke a turn. The same thing happens to the IFS. It is a shame that you can no longer buy a 1/2 ton truck with a solid axle. All of the manufacturers are catering to these yuppies that want a four wheel drive that they will never even use. You mentioned that you want to take your new truck hunting. If your favorite spot is just down a gravel road and across a pasture, then the yukon will probably be fine. My favorite hunting grounds are way out in the sticks. I have 3 water crossings and there are mudholes that have swallowed many blazers/yukons, "Z71's", and "FX4's". I have also towed many of said vehicles out of this area because of busted axle shafts, or because the 4wd didn't work when they pushed that little button or turned the little switch. "The light says it's working but the tires won't turn" LOL Which brings me to my next point, get a truck with a manual transfer case. Believe me this will save your butt again and again. Because if the stick is in position and the hubs are locked, it will work, and if it doesn't you know you have a real problem, not just a bad relay, or a broken vaccum line, or bad connection, or any number of things that can go wrong with these systems. The best advice I can give is keep it simple. The less you have that can go wrong, the less that will.  

The GM IFS is not a weak design in concept and it does offer superior handling and ride but I do think that if you plan to lift a GM IFS and use bigger tires that you should avoid a 1/2 ton models because it has a smaller front drive axle than the 3/4 and 1 ton does and you cannot swap a IFS 3/4 ton front drive axle into a 1/2 ton truck. Also the ball joints are a bit beefier in 3/4 ton models as well and 1/2 ton with big tires can have very ball joint short life. Frame is sturdier too on 3/4 ton modles. Pre 88 GM 4x4's used the same front axle 1/2 ton or 3/4 with just different hub bolt patterns and same basic frame too but GM stopped that practice in 88. If you want a cheap easy to fix off road 4x4 I would suggest a pre 88 GM if you want a 1/2 ton or a 3/4 ton 88 on if you want GM IFS. Yes some do use 88 on 1/2 ton models but as stated above, they have a higher failure rate when pushed to the limit. If you keep Yukons and such reasonably stock lift and tire size they will hold up fairly well but once you start lifting them and using big rubber the reliably of them can take a serious hit. Myself I have yet to see a axle shaft or diff fail on a 9.25 IFS on a 3/4 and 1 ton. I have seen a few CV's on them fail by wheel in extreme truck pulls on Dmax trucks running wild boosts.  

Yes, but it is impossible to swap a GM 3/4 ton or 1 ton IFS front end into a 1/2 ton.  

Just sayin.  

I believe Sno mentioned that in his first sentence.