I need to get myself a full time daily driver SUV at the end of the year. This wouldn't be for wheeling, but I drive in severe winter conditions a LOT and I can't be playing around with wanabee trucks.

I was considering, among other things, a Tahoe, but I'm not thrilled with their 4wd setup after they went to IFS.

I like a traditional system with manual lockers and mechanical actuation.

I've alwasy had a soft spot for the classic Wagoneer. Not the newer cherokee/GC, although I am looking into them as well.

I mean the real thing. The ones where you can't tell what decade it was manufactured in without looking at the title.

But I know they've been out of production for a while and I don't know that there are any left that are in top shape.

Plus, I'm not familiar with their 4wd systems, outside of being pretty sure that they are the traditional kind of part-time 4wd.

So, can y'all fill me in on:
What's out there?
What should I be looking for?
Years to avoid?
Years to look for?
Problems to look for?
etc...


Thanks, in advance.

One in top shape will cost you a pretty penny. You can see those on e-bay selling for $5-20,000. Here is another place selling them in good shape. Again they are overpriced. grandwagoneer (http://www.grandwagoneer.com/). The yuppies have decided that Wagoneers are now "collectable" and it is driving up the price. You can however if you are looking for a rig that needs just a tad bit of TLC get one for less than a grand. Alot of the decent ones on e-bay sell for $2-4000. What you get will depend on the depth of your pocketbook and how lucky you get in the hunt for one. :D There are still plenty of deals out there. Here is a link to a tech database on FSJ's FSJ tech (http://www.ifsja.org/tech/index.shtml) . There is alot of good info there and it should answer alot of your questions. Also check out the message forum there as the place is dedicated to FSJ's. Hope this helps!