Hunting Vehicles, Geo Tracker?

xdmer

xdmer

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So a few years ago I picked up an older 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as a hunting vehicle. It's worked fairly well and when on forest service roads and some trails, has actually surprised me performance wise. (at least I had never expected it to work so well). HOWEVER, I feel it's kind of big and not that easy to work through some of the more narrow spots and getting room to turn her around on trails can be tight. I plan on going out myself a few times and won't have buddy around if I need a hand or haul out.

Because of this I've been looking at getting a Geo Tracker or similar with a few light mods to make it a little better on the off road. Since I'm only looking for deer and smaller black bear and small game, I think I'll be okay for room, although a little tight. What do you guys use for smaller hunting rigs, in BC?
 
Geo trackers and Suzuki sidekicks seem to be fairly popular. Always see a bunch on trailers come October. My buddy was thinking about getting one but he said the price people are asking is just crazy. I was thinking about an older smaller ranger myself.
 
bcboarder said:
Geo trackers and Suzuki sidekicks seem to be fairly popular. Always see a bunch on trailers come October. My buddy was thinking about getting one but he said the price people are asking is just crazy. I was thinking about an older smaller ranger myself.
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Try and find a low K's one then do the rig up.
See how long it takes to get over $8,000.00 into it.
That's what I have into mine.
Rack, custom bumpers, winch, posi's, Calmini lift, air bags in rear springs,
nerf bars, stereo, header and performance exhaust, wheels, tires (worn now).
This list is continuous.
 
I drive an escape. I use it for everything from hunting to pizza delivery. Not a lot of mods you can do though.

Jeeps are always a good option for what you want too.
 
My neighbour has one and he loves it. His looks mint that is until you really start poking around then you find all the hidden surprises. Rotted subframe, flint stone floors etc. In my younger days my Ranger and I spent many days crawling B.C. trails and those little Zuks always amazed. Good luck with your search.
 
Thanks guys. I've been looking 2 and 4 doors, they both seem to have pros and cons. Trackers seem to really hold their value, finding a lower km one is a challenge. I'm expecting to pay 4-5k and then over time build it up a bit, probably to the point that kamlooky has.

I've considered the potential for roll over, which has me thinking of the 4 door. I'm not intending to do wheeling / big off road, but knowing the limits would be nice. Eventually I'll want a little suspension lift, wench, bumpers and lockers, but nothing whole hog for off-roading unless I find another hobby ;)

As a hunting and weekend rig it seems like this will work out well, I've spoken to a few mechanics about mods and parts availability etc.. which are still good. Personally I like the look of the trackers from the 90's.

I guess my biggest concern at the moment is the I-4 Engine 8V, (my preference) is that enough for hauling some gear and game around some of the mountains we have here? Nice torque, low horse power. I think it should work but hearing from one of you guys that have one, or similar what do you think, I'm I bat chit or on the right track for a nice little weekend driving and hunting rig?
 
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Friend of mine has a 98 sidekick with about 350,000KM on it and he towed over 1500lbs occasionally and it's hard on hills (both for braking and the engine) but he does it. First engine, no issues so far thanks to his regular maintenance.

Also if you consider the 2000+ grand vitara their auto tranny are bullet proof reliable (aisin trans)

Not the same animal but I have a 2013 and I take it out in the bush as well and the 50/50 weight distribution and light weight make it easier to float on snow and mud. I love Suzuki 4x4 vehicles they are the best in my book.
 
Thanks , I've been looking at Vitara's too, basically all of the tracker style offshoots. There are many different configuration and engine models through the 90's and very early 2k's. Any idea which engine your friends sidekick was?

Dake21 said:
Friend of mine has a 98 sidekick with about 350,000KM on it and he towed over 1500lbs occasionally and it's hard on hills (both for braking and the engine) but he does it. First engine, no issues so far thanks to his regular maintenance.

Also if you consider the 2000+ grand vitara their auto tranny are bullet proof reliable (aisin trans)

Not the same animal but I have a 2013 and I take it out in the bush as well and the 50/50 weight distribution and light weight make it easier to float on snow and mud. I love Suzuki 4x4 vehicles they are the best in my book.
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I've seen an ad for one of these but haven't gone to look at it, still trying to narrow down options. I've seen some personal and dealer listing that look compelling ... across the map of Trackers. I'm thinking of used car dealer to be easier on the pocket book in trying to trade value the truck ... sure I'll take a bath on that, but *shrugs* less of a PITA.


twistedbrilliance said:
I have a chevy (suzuki) tracker ZR2 4 door and it's awesome. Goes everywhere.
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Another vehicle I have been considering, before I got my sport trac was a Chevrolet Blazer. I've heard more general bad things about them than good, but for some reason I do keep looking at them. I found a really good deal on a 2 door manual transmission , 2000 model, at a very good price. . . would I be crazy for even considering it? I know it's on the larger side and not much smaller than my current truck.
 
Having done mechanical work on a few Blazers from that era.....I'd have to advise against one. I know there may be many fans of them out there, but they just don't seem to have what it takes for what I'd consider a hunting vehicle. On the other hand, parts are relatively cheap. If the deal was REALLY good, you might be able to spend what you saved on repairs. But if it were me, I'd pass.
 
Jeeeesh, just flashed a memory.
There was one for sale on the side of the highway on the frontage
road out east of here.
At the PetroCan turn off by the Pineridge Golf Course entrance.
Wee red wun. Wifie tawt it wuzz mine.
 
My personal choice for a dedicated hunting rig would be a 1997 or older ranger. Parts are cheap and plentiful, lift options up to 6" are readily available and easy to install. Has a real frame, so you can also body lift it. The 4.0l has tones of power, while the 2.3l is pretty good on gas, tones of space and capability for hauling ####...

I say 97 or older because they changed the suspension in 98, and the older style is way cheaper and much easier to lift.

97 ranger, 6" lift, 37" tires, and a rear axle from an explorer. THATS what i want...
 
My 90 Tracker is awesome. I got mine cheap about five years ago and have used it in the bush extensively.
It is a two door and you can turn around anywhere. It is easy on gas and has just enough power to do what you need.
Dont worry about finding a low km one. Mine has 300k and is great. Rust is what you need to watch for. The cross members that hold the gas tank in are famous for rotting out. It is hard to notice unless youre looking for it. Parts are easy to find and often on the shelf at parts stores.
I would avoid the four door. While they have more space than a two door, they dont turn as tight and are more prone to getting high centered.
Diesel conversions are a giant waste of money. You gain a bit, but it requires a bunch of work, and some custom fabrication to make everything go in smooth. If you want a hard core 4x4 and like tinkering on things, then yes but even then Ive seen the gas ones go just as far.
Samurais are getting a little harder to get parts for and most guys who have one these days have a second parts one wrecked in thier back yard.
Hands down they will go farther stock than any other stock 4x4 you can buy for under $3000.

With out going crazy, you can add a two inch lift, increase tire size to the common 31x10.5 and toss a mini spool diff in. This is a unstoppable package that will cruise at 120km on the hiway with three guys and a little gear, get 30 mpg. If you do get stuck it is light enough a come-along will get you out.
My truck and camper combo does not even notice it when I tow it behind, and I need to pack very little extra gas.

You can't go wrong.
 
Thanks for this.
jonathanwelch said:
Having done mechanical work on a few Blazers from that era.....I'd have to advise against one. I know there may be many fans of them out there, but they just don't seem to have what it takes for what I'd consider a hunting vehicle. On the other hand, parts are relatively cheap. If the deal was REALLY good, you might be able to spend what you saved on repairs. But if it were me, I'd pass.
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