Inexpensive, bang for the buck rigs that can be modified, upgraded and driven cheap are coveted by 4x4 enthusiasts. A garage, tools, a little bit of time, and a limited budget can go a long way when it comes to modifying rides.
Craigslist is a great place to look for vehicles along with parts and accessories that aren’t cost-prohibitive. Junkyards and salvage yards should be last resorts, though they can sometimes work when you’re in need of u-pull it parts. Here are four rigs that you can acquire and modify without a wallop to your wallet.
The ZJ models were manufactured from 1992-98, but were shunned by consumers. That makes them prime candidates to have new life breathed into them and some of the common mods are replacing stock suspension, upgrading tires, adding skid plates. For around $150, poly coil spacers from Pro Comp will get you a 2” lift. “One knock against the ZJ is their stock transmissions are known to have issues, so you may have to invest in a transmission rebuild,” says Mike Finch, 4 Wheel Parts Suspension Specialist.
The XJ’s body is renowned as one of the top SUV designs of all time and 1992-01 are debatably their golden years. Unlike ZJ transmissions, the XJ’s AW4 has a reputation for being bullet-proof. XJs work especially well as first vehicles for kids because you can find easy fixes detailed online should anything go south.
The price tag of a Toyota 4Runner is heftier, but people love the 22RE 2.4 liter motor. 4Runners routinely get 300K miles and were cheap options up until the late ‘90s. Popular mods include upgrading suspension systems, swapping out exhaust systems and rear tire carriers with spares, and interior conversion to LED lighting.
Lightweight, but sturdy, Suzuki Samurais are sought after rigs for those who welcome the idea of making modifications. “Suzuki wanted to compete with Wranglers at around two-thirds of the price and Samurais were immensely popular around the globe,” says Finch. Even novice off-roaders can dive into the challenge of running them with the top down and putting a Jetta diesel motor in. There are basic bolt-in kits for diesel conversion that you can track down for under $500.
