hi i wanted to ask what kind of trail rig i should get. i am going to be moving to corpus christi, texas and would rather have a trail rig down there than the crotch rocket that i currently have. once i sell that then trail rig it is. i am thinking mainly about two different possible rigs, ford ranger 4x4 or a jeep. price range for initial purchase of vehicle will be around 5k. if i do the ranger it would be project range runner treatment all the way. long travel suspension, the works. obviously on the other hand aftermarket for the jeep is more supported and the no top or doors would be great on the beach.  i just think that the ranger would be cooler and i can make some disconnects for the doors to be removed. anyway i would like some input, BTW this will not be a daily driver, i have a 2005 f150 v6 reg cab. also any input from someone familar with trails in south texas would be great.  

who should use the jeep.more preferred a 2003 jeep Rubicon with a 6 inch lift.and go to Google and type in off road trails in Texas.hope it will help ya!  

Well I think initially the Jeep will have the stronger axles to start with, so that would save some money up front.  I just bought my first Jeep and never really wanted one until recently, however I love it.  Mine is still stock but it is very capable, d30 front d44 rear.  But I guess it all comes down to what's your preference.  Also it might be hard to find either for 5 grand.  

yea i had a jeep  97TJ  i liked it fairly well. as far as the price i have found a few that would be in my price range. mainly on the jeep end it would be pre - 97 models , most likely a YJ. as far as the ranger i was thinking about buying one from an autobroker here in town that deals with wrecked vehicles. i found a rear collision 2004 ranger that still drives and runs fine for 4590 its just the bed is completly screwed. i was thinking something like that would be perfect take the bed off and do custom off road flatbed/ +fuel cell and good to go.i have a daily driver.  5K is just what i want to buy the vehicle for. the project money to build her up would b dumped in as i go. i dont know though the more i think about it i may  just sell my motorcycle for a couple of dirt bikes instead. theyre easier to travel to go wheelin with and if you break it just toss it in the bed and you can still get home