Pan american highway trip Rig

[hps4evr]

Do some research on what vehicles are more common down where you plan to go. Toyotas are all over central and South America, parts would be easier to find. I know jeeps and xj's are down there I just don't know how popular they are. Xj would be a cheaper and easier build with the solid axles and such. If you can get a good 31" mud tire with a rear locker and front LSD you can go everywhere, get a good quality winch on the front and some recovery equipment. Maybe some skid plates too. Roof racks for gear. Easily put this whole jeep together yourself for under 5G including buying the jeep.
A 4runner can be done too, like clay says, front manual hubs can be good on the highway. A good mud tire with rear locker and winch will get you through most anything. I'll just assume the 4 runners are more to buy up front.
Check Craigslist for options down there.
Sounds like a big trip you're planning. Keep us posted on your plans and how it goes!
Good luck

[Bnine]

The runner would be more money, but more ideal for a stock truck. Specially if you did an IFS swap w/crossover steering. Really. IFS swap, body lift, small suspension lift, long shocks, tires rims and you are on your way.

If you arent going going to hit a lot of mud, then profield birfs, or home made clamp rings. If some mud and sand will be common, then the yukon birf eliminater. You weld the yota center easily enough, but keep either a spare 3rd, or a spare gear set for at least one diff. The gears are weak, and welded up you might have trouble.

If you do want to do an xj because they are so common down there, just spend the extra few bucks for a lunchbox in the front.

You cant spool the back unless you find a 44 due to c-clips in the 8.25. But a spooled 44 will treat you right all day long for what you are doing.

Get some goodyear kevlars. Keep the weight down but the durability up. They are a very tough tire for the weight.

Plugs plugs plugs. Tire plugs till you puke. Get a CO2 set up for air. That way you keep it when you ditch the rig.

Have your jeep specific tools on hand, and have fun. Sounds like an epic adventure, Take some pics and let us know how you are doing.