Sky: Why only five years? Early troopers are getting cheaper everyday. I bet there are three times as many old first gen troopers still on the road then anything else. I bought two from Oregon just a few years ago my self. lots of good low mileage ones on Craigs list or Ebay.

"engine, trans, transfercase, axels & used parts availability"

My oldest Trooper Has nearly 300K on it. still running strong. Never broke anything on four of them. ( first was an automatic, dont go there) clutches last a long time, never even had a u-joint go bad. As long as the yards are full of S-10's, Camaros and Firbirds Engine parts should not be a problem. Transfer case is all gear driven monster, as long as you keep oil in there it should last for ever.
You will need lockers and 33" tires to stress the axels.

Keep your feet dry.

John in Lv

3 90 Trooper V-6's, 5 speed, 4.3L TBI, 31" BFG AT's, Fender Flairs, Bored intake, 1.6 roller rockers, MSD Coil, Jacobs Omni ignition. Heavy duty torsion bars, Rancho 9000 Shocks CAN'T SPELL, TO OLD TO LEARN, GOD BLESS YOU IF YOU CAN.