How to buy my 1st

[bratworst]

LSD = limited slip differential

[2horsegarage]

All great stuff. Now to just sell my Mustang and get this show "on the road"...

[MTBGary]

I started with a used SMB, 2wd that had the interior I wanted since thats a major investment to buy new. After a couple years, I worked with my mechanic to convert to 4x4. We used parts and LOTS of advice from UJOINT to do the conversion. The nice part is that I have someone local with the knowledge to service it as opposed to SMB, Quigley, etc.

Living in the rockies at 8000 ft and the north east, I have had numerous occasion to use the 4x4. Not to mention all the fun places you can get to.

Gary

[daveb]

Originally Posted by flagstaff

I have driven a 2X4, 2001 Dodge RB SMB w/LSD for the past 11 years all over the Mountain West. Unless you plan on doing some serious rock crawling I believe that 4X4 is unnecessary. It cost more initially, more to insure, and more to opperate. I think that 4X4 has become a status symbol and many people have it but never really need it or use it.

I just don't like putting on chains. But I do a lot of off roading as well, something some might not care for so I do understand your point. I think the Status symbol thing applies far more to SUV owners than SMB owners but it is true that with a winch, pul-pal, LSD, a good lift, and correct tires, these vans can go a long way W/O four wheel drive.

[tmtm]

Originally Posted by daveb

I just don't like putting on chains. But I do a lot of off roading as well, something some might not care for so I do understand your point. I think the Status symbol thing applies far more to SUV owners than SMB owners but it is true that with a winch, pul-pal, LSD, a good lift, and correct tires, these vans can go a long way W/O four wheel drive.

Based on this kind of advice from the forum and SMB owners I'm met in person as a result I did the following...
Bought a used SMB 2WD, near new condition, great price, then put in a LSD, Lift and Tires etc. I believe I saved $40k at least!
I'm sure it will get me where I need / want to go... boon docking, mtn biking, surfing and climbing locales (not rock crawling 4X'ing). So far no problems at all. See my photo gallery for before and after pics. Good luck!

[bronco76]

I think the two best things that Sportsmobile does are the penthouse top and the four wheel drive conversion. Any of the rest of it you want you can either do it yourself or there are other companies who can do it possibily less expensive than Sportsmobile. I also agree with the limited slip differential, lift, bigger tires and a winch to get you to 90% of the places you would want to take a vehicle this big. BTW, I don't know what your price range is but mine is for sale in the classified section.
Shameless plug I know.