Z71 Off Road

[H1Chester]

Who said a Grand Wagoneer can’t off-road???

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[man n black]

We have had a a mildly modifed 2008 Tahoe LT (33s, torsion keys, shocks) and replaced that with an Land Rover LR4 v8.

Both are just fine for mild trails. We've do alot of off pavement trails in Moab; Whale Eye Arch, some of the other lesser known arches etc.. I will say though..once we were out there in the bone stock LR4 and got to a rock fall climb that didnt look too hard and would've been a cakewalk for a modded Jeep. We ended up walking it to our destination because we wanted to be sure to be able to safely get home.

I *might have tried it in the older Tahoe as it had more ground clearance than the LR does even in rock mode. While we were there looking at the section I did see an almost new, mostly stock appearing 4Runner on 32" BFG ATs pull up....a 90 pound lady in trainers, leggings and completely makeupped hair did got out....directed the driver up the trail section, jumped back in and off they went down the sand wash trail just beyond the climb. Made it look pretty easy.

@OP, if your expectation is to do the above and still reliably get home, based on what I saw I'd say go 4runner.

IF you want to overland through anywhere on mostly mild dirt road type trails, tow haul pretty much anything and be able to have a family sized super comfy long haul cruiser too I'd say go Tahoe Z71/ Yukon AT4.

Our Tahoe was much easier-better to pack and about as comfortable on long trips as the LR is....Both are light years better and more comfortable on long haul freeway type trips than any of the mid-size / basic full sized Asian based SUV's I've ever driven or ridden in and tow anything more capably too. YMMV

As a side note, and Im sure this has been mentioned, but you could by aftermarket underbody protection for all of these too.

 

[Fless]

We have had a a mildly modifed 2008 Tahoe LT (33s, torsion keys, shocks) and replaced that with an Land Rover LR4 v8.

Both are just fine for mild trails. We've do alot of off pavement trails in Moab; Whale Eye Arch, some of the other lesser known arches etc.. I will say though..once we were out there in the bone stock LR4 and got to a rock fall climb that didnt look too hard and would've been a cakewalk for a modded Jeep. We ended up walking it to our destination because we wanted to be sure to be able to safely get home.

I *might have tried it in the older Tahoe as it had more ground clearance than the LR does even in rock mode. While we were there looking at the section I did see an almost new, mostly stock appearing 4Runner on 32" BFG ATs pull up....a 90 pound lady in trainers, leggings and completely makeupped hair did got out....directed the driver up the trail section, jumped back in and off they went down the sand wash trail just beyond the climb. Made it look pretty easy.

@OP, if your expectation is to do the above and still reliably get home, based on what I saw I'd say go 4runner.

IF you want to overland through anywhere on mostly mild dirt road type trails, tow haul pretty much anything and be able to have a family sized super comfy long haul cruiser too I'd say go Tahoe Z71/ Yukon AT4.

Our Tahoe was much easier-better to pack and about as comfortable on long trips as the LR is....Both are light years better and more comfortable on long haul freeway type trips than any of the mid-size / basic full sized Asian based SUV's I've ever driven or ridden in and tow anything more capably too. YMMV

As a side note, and Im sure this has been mentioned, but you could by aftermarket underbody protection for all of these too.

A 2008 Tahoe had torsion bars?

 

[man n black]

A 2008 Tahoe had torsion bars?

Mightve been a 2006 but yeah..needed lift keys to level. The nice thing is that the automatic rear load levelling raise the back of the vehicle to accomodate the front level so we got a free 2" or so of lift. Was great for 18 wheels and aggressive AT 33's..no rubbing whatsoever....I dont think the 2008 front suspension was that much different.

CH

 

[mrpeterclark]

Is a Tahoe or a Suburban a rock crawler? No (although there are some incredible exceptions to that rule - Wilomet Motor and Fab has one of my all time favorite Suburbans), but do a little comparison with a crew cab tacoma and a Suburban. I do a lot of dispersed camping, and have been down some pretty gnarly (not rock crawling) trails to get there. These can do it, and the 2,000 miles of highway along the way is quite comfortable for our six person family. I can't imagine doing that in a jeep in even a Tacoma. I'll give up some (not a lot) approach angle and an inch or two wider stance for the comfort, space, towing capacity, and room. I'm not a hater! I'm all for Jeeps, Toyatas, Rams, etc. I don't think the Suburban or Tahoe is the be all end all platforms, but I think there are merits that are often overlooked. The pros come with drawbacks: weight, height, and to a lesser degree length (they aren't as long as people tend to think).

Anyway, If you're only into wheeling, get a Jeep or whatever. If you want to go to offroad places, hard core car camping, overlanding, road tripping and drive it daily? use what you like that fits your needs. Tahoes and Suburbans are great options.




baselineoverland.com

 

[Onlyone]

Use your Tahoe/Yukon for what it’s for. Enjoy the awesome ride while you tow your Jeep to the trail head in style.

 

[Doubeleive]

you can do offroading with it, you just can't do short wheel base jeep trails with it. these are two different scenario's, most of the trails around here in nor-cal are swb jeep trails, the trails are not for full size, there are full size trails out there though. 4runners are not any different out the gate they need lifts and bigger tires as well. the advantage is they are slightly slimmer which equates to less room inside.