Is there a cool SUV?

[cnielsen]

The one car I regret ever selling...my '86 FJ60

Not saying I'd trade my turbo diesel 4Runner for it but I wish I could have that truck back.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by R K T

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the all new 1981 Dodge Rapester XLT!"

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by aigel

Family transportation Evoloution:

Station wagon -> Minivan / SUV -> Crossover / Compact SUV

None of these ever were "cool", but one can't be seen in the previously popular vehicle type. I could care less, if I think a station wagon or minivan fits the bill, I'd buy one.

G

I wish the big wagons would come back, I'd be all over it. Something like a 7-series, A8, or S-class wagon. The compact wagons are about all that is left on the market, and they just won't cut it with three kids.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by cnielsen

The one car I regret ever selling...my '86 FJ60

Not saying I'd trade my turbo diesel 4Runner for it but I wish I could have that truck back.

How did you get that diesel? Was it a Canadian import of someone dropped in a diesel motor?

I had a 80 series LC that was hit by someone on the phone. I missed it daily. I have a newer 4 runner now, it is very nice and capable, but nothing is like the older LC.

[lin7310948]

my daily driver...74 bronco.

[petrolhead611]

I bought a Renault Espace (2 litre petrol engine) new in 1990.Sold it in 2000 still running with 450000 miles on it, yes you read that right. It was a brilliant vehicle,7 seats( 5 removeable individually),would carry half a ton without too adversely affecting handling/braking at motorway speeds, very comfortable on 500 mile drives a few times a week; sheet moulded composite body on galvanized steel underbody and body frame-about 400 pounds lighter than comparable VW or Ford which is one of the reasons it outhandled and outbraked them. Similar shape to Pontiac Transport but not so garish.

[drcoastline]

[drcoastline]

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by look 171

How did you get that diesel? Was it a Canadian import of someone dropped in a diesel motor?

I had a 80 series LC that was hit by someone on the phone. I missed it daily. I have a newer 4 runner now, it is very nice and capable, but nothing is like the older LC.

I frequently dreamed of swapping a Japanese market Toyota turbodiesel motor into my FJ80. A 25 MPG 80-series would be a keeper.

[asphaltgambler]

Only really one - here 'tis my own.........Wife's daily driver. You would not believe the positive comments we get all the time in parking lots or thumbs up by passer's by.

[Jferr006]

My husband thinks his '90 suburban lifted with big tires is cool. I won't ride in it.

[Aragorn]

I think a Westy can be classified as a SUV when modified. It is sporty, it has utility, and it is a vehicle. Ticks all three boxes. Some of the modded ones are very cool.

Also feel that a Jeep GC (ZJ and WJ) as well as older Cherokees are cool SUV's. They can tow well, are a blast in the snow and mud, and have the safety and convenience features of a car. Yes they don't handle like cars but neither do must trucks and older SUV's. Use as they are intended and they do well. Modify them and they are great.

[asphaltgambler]

Oh.....contrare - multilink strut suspension, brembo brakes, rack n pinion steering, 20" steamrollers

[look 171]

I think older Suburbans(4WD) are cool, but not the milage if its a daily driver. There is something about the way they pull away from a stop with that big old V8.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I frequently dreamed of swapping a Japanese market Toyota turbodiesel motor into my FJ80. A 25 MPG 80-series would be a keeper.

Matt,

There's a kid that work as a BMW wrench that lives near me somewhere that has a 60 series. I talk with him at our local gas station down the hill at times. He stuffed a surplus diesel v8 off some military vehicle in there. He claims more power is day an night and the fuel milage is in the 20-25 range. I wanted him to do the same thing to my 80, when the motor goes. Actually, I would like a Cummins in there.

BTW, I got the 4runner limited over the weekend. Man, that thing is nice.

Jeff

[Jferr006]

Originally Posted by look 171

I think older Suburbans(4WD) are cool, but not the milage if its a daily driver. There is something about the way they pull away from a stop with that big old V8.

It's 4wd and has seatbelts for 8. It pulls the boat and takes us to the mountains but, thats about it.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Jferr006

It's 4wd and has seatbelts for 8. It pulls the boat and takes us to the mountains but, thats about it.

That's enough, what else do you want?

[yazhound]

surpised no Baja Bugs in the mix! Man set up right they'd go anywhere and low cost...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by look 171

Matt,

There's a kid that work as a BMW wrench that lives near me somewhere that has a 60 series. I talk with him at our local gas station down the hill at times. He stuffed a surplus diesel v8 off some military vehicle in there. He claims more power is day an night and the fuel milage is in the 20-25 range. I wanted him to do the same thing to my 80, when the motor goes. Actually, I would like a Cummins in there.

BTW, I got the 4runner limited over the weekend. Man, that thing is nice.

Jeff

Jeff, congrats on the 4Runner. I saw a number of diesel swap threads on ih8mud, pretty much unanimous praise for how much it improves the truck. I wonder if he used a GM diesel V8 from the '80s? I recall seeing a few of those, if I recall correctly they bolt in pretty much the same as a SBC and using adapters that are readily available.

[oldschoollear]