Which is the best??

[banbro]

Okay, I know that asking this question is almost as bad as going to a Mopar rally and asking if a Mustang or a charger is the better choice but I am looking for some concrete reasoning. Which year, model, engine Explorer is the best to get for offroad use?
I have a '96 XLT V8 with the tosion twist and add a leaf running 31/1050's and I just got back from a mostly Jeep off road event. I was able to take every trail the Jeeps took but I truly don't know how many more "Exploder" comments I can take. I am satisfied with the look of my truck but if there was an alternate lift out there I would be all over it, but, since there isn't, I need to look at another off road vehicle.
I don't want to become one of the countless scads to jump on the Jeep bandwagon and am impressed with the offroad capabilities my current Explorer has so I want to stick with those lines. My dilema is that I do not want to make a mistake and end up getting one only to find out another would have been better. With that I would like to hear your opinions on which is better and why. If I am going to throw my time and money into something I want to know that I can do so knowing it is the best I can get to work with.

Thanks....

Brock Banks
'96 XLT V8
Torsion Twist
31/1050 ProComp MT

 

[rock883]

I would say to go with a 91-94. I have heard that people don't really want the ABS off road, which the 91-92 have rear abs, while the 93-94 have front and rear. That may be something to think of. All though, it would be nicer to have a newer explorer (less miles on everything). Also, the 5spd tranny is more desireable over the Auto, because the Auto supposidly goes fast. As far as the engine, the 4.0L is the only one you are going to get (only one offered for the 91-94). The suspensions are easy (compared the your IFS) to work with and lift. Hope that answered your questions, and hope some other people can shed some brighter light on the subject.