I love my reg cab on trails. I wheel with guys with extended cabs and there are noticably more times where they are doing 3 point turns on trails to try and get around things. Plus the lower breakover angle can lead to some scraping sometimes. The 2.7 is a very solid motor, pretty peppy, and efficient. If you don't mind the lack of interior space with the regular cab, go for it.

I think it comes down to what you need the truck for. If more wheeling, do the reg. cab. But if a more practical daily driver, do the ext. cab.

I would recommend finding a 2000 if you can though. In 2000 they started putting 4.30 gears in the 5speed 4cyl with the 31" tires (as opposed to the 4.10s before then); those gears would be better suited to bigger tires.


Good luck with your purchase!