Anyone making an LTV?

[Badger]

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I've seen quite a few BOVs on here which is cool, but the wife and I have decided that we're not exactly in any need to bug out anywhere being we already live in a fantastic location. But I am in the process of building a Light Tactical Vehicle.

(Pics to come soon as the build begins.)

I recently picked up a 1995 Ford Ranger. 4.0L engine, 4x4 of course, extended cab, short bed with topper shell. And will begin the modification process later this month. First to go is the Dana 28 "Twin-beam" front axle in favor of a Jeep Dana 30 solid front. I'll be installing 4:56 gear ratio in the diffs and will opt for lockers later on. Estimated lift will be around 6"-8" and most likely will run 33s or 35s for tires depending. I'll be building front and rear bumpers (w/swing-away tire carrier on rear), roof rack w/aux lighting, capable of accepting the topper shell, and rock sliders down the side. Also contemplating an internal roll cage for the just in case. At a later date, I can add armor to it if necessary. Color choice is flat black truck, with bumpers, rack, sliders etc., being OD green.

So the basis behind it is more or less a multi-role of hunting/camping rig, capable of also serving as my 'work' truck. I'll of course have various rock gear incorporated into the design as well as a camp kitchen. But this to me seemed like the perfect recon/prospector vehicle for the just in case.

Our other daily driver is a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 6" Emu lift, and limited slip lockers. Goes anywhere we need it to, just like the Ranger will.

So any other LTVs out there?

[johnnie l.]

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Always get the roll bars/cage you only have one head don't mess it up A steal topper shell can help in a rollover might need bigger engine with armor but sounds like rock crawling fun coming up.

[Stitch]

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Does a M1008 CUCV count? Dana 60 front 14 bolt rear with locker. 4:56 gears. Custom rear bumper. Goodyear kevlar mtr tires.

[Badger]

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There were a few of those and the M1009s (Blazers) at Ft.Bliss when we went to visit my son before his deployment. Every now and then I find a few on Craigslist too. I've always liked both of those though.

[Earthdad23]

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The 98 Cherokee in my avatar has turned out to be a great LTV and has been put through the ringer to make sure it will hold up. It was relatively inexpensive to build. Locked in the rear, 5 inches of lift, 33s, custom bumpers, front has a 9000 pound winch, the rear has a swing away spare carrier. Rangers, Cherokees and Grand Cherokees are all great for this application.

[JLBIII]

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My dream LTV would be a military Humvee, simple, rugged, 4 wheel drive, everything I want in a off road vehicle, though I'll probably have to settle for a Jeep Rubicon or an old Jeep scrambler if I could find one. I'm trying to stick to older vehicles that don't have all these fancy electronics and computers running everything. I just want to be able to use a timing light and dwell meter to tune the dam thing, not have to hook it up to a super computer just to tune it up.

Joe

[Earthdad23]

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That is my biggest fear with the cherokee. If we get hit by an EMP I'm screwed. I am looking into a M35A2.

[JLBIII]

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An M35A2 is just too big for my needs, I used to have a Jeep Cherokee got almost 275,000 miles out of it before it started to nickel and dime me, I liked the vehicle but it only had a 4 cylinder in it and couldn't get out of its own way. It was great for bebopping around the woods though and got fairly good gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive. My next "new" vehicle will be a Jeep Rubicon or an FJ Cruiser. Though I'm still keeping my eyes open for an old Jeep scrambler with at least a 6 cyl. but would prefer an 8 cyl. or a Gen. 1 humvee.

Almost every vehicle I have owned since high school has been a 4WD. I just couldn't enjoy all the activities I'm into without one, plus living in N.E. who wants to deal with being stuck in the snow. I have my 4WD GMC pick-up so I'm in no hurry so I can keep looking for the perfect deal. I have a trailer I use for my ATV and just don't need a pick up anymore, also it would be nice to be able to sit 4 people in a vehicle for a change. My trucks an extended cab but it's still not the same. Oh well it's nice to dream, if I get really desperate for a Jeep I can always trade my Harley for a decent one. Though I'll never see myself getting that desperate Heheh.

Joe