by Detroit_Pierogi » Sun Sep 11, 2011 12:03 am
Depends upon what you want to do. Generally speaking, the lighter the better. e.g. 1988 Suzuki Samurai - with suspension mods to the gills. Mods for a heavier vehicle - e.g. a Jeep. That give you more ground clearance, allows for bigger tires, and if you have to get under it, there is plenty of room to do so.
Lighter = less like to get stuck, easier to get out of being stuck, way less strain on the suspension - especially when the weight is distributed unevenly (sorta redundant, I suppose), easier to muscle around (by actual people hanging onto one side or another). If, for whatever reason, you think that it might be too light, you can always add weight if you think the situation calls for it. If you start with a heavier vehicle, you can't very well take a lot of weight off. Also sucks much less gas than something a lot heavier. Given the lighter weight and less stress on all parts all the way around, you are far, far less likely to hear any unexpected snap, crackle, or pop coming from underneath.
That's all from a rational standpoint. But people (myself included) are not rational beings. Vehicle loyalty is often akin to religion. Suzuki (aka Zuki) Samurai is not my religion. I do have one, but I am pretty accepting of other faiths.
I had a 1988 Samurai. Actually, something makes me think it was a 1988.5. The guy I bought it from had put it on a Jeep suspension of some kind. It was just bananas. But I didn't like it.
So I sold it at a precipitous loss, as is my style.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.