I have 3 other 4wds, a Wagoneer and Scout that need work, which I do a little to here and there. Maybe in a couple years one or the other will get done. Also have an 89 Isuzu Trooper with a rear locker, getting a front locker soon. Isuzu's a reliable on and off roader, but ugly and beat on. It will be my real off roader until I get either the Scout or Wagoneer done. Both of those will probably eventually be sold or traded for something.

The Nissan will be a daily driver for now, but I live right in the middle of Arkansas, with great off roading near, but if I need to make a long pavement trip to check out a new area I want a comfortable truck that will do medium level off roading with reliability. I had no idea the 2nd gens had 100 more hp! But aluminum diffs? My off road trucks have all been old tough stuff like older Ford trucks, one CJ 5, a 72
Landcruiser. No aluminum anything!

I will be driving the Nissan on dirt roads often, some 4 wheeling. Once it gets some age and dings I intend to turn it into a dedicated off roader that is just barely legal. I've come to appreciate fuel injection and modern amenities even on an off roader. I guess what I need to decide is whether I want the newer gen with more hp and mileage, or the older gen which I assume is tougher off road. Or are aluminum diffs actually tougher than they sound? Within 2-3 years the Nissan I buy will be doing more hardcore off roading than pavement so I probably need to stick with whichever model has better off road toughness and capability. I've always assumed any Nissan on a truck platform is reliable and good off road.

What is the gas mileage difference between 1st and 2nd gen? Big difference in off road capability over time? I can install any body lift or suspension lift myself if needed, but I doubt I'll ever use over 35" tires. I'm more of a finesse driver than a leadfoot. If I can't go there with 35s I probably don't need to go. It will get a winch just in case, of course.