Well...after several months of gyrations deciding which 4wd machine to buy, I finally bit the bullet Thursday and bought this 1999 Jeep Wrangler. It needs a couple of things, but overall a pretty nice machine with 100k miles.
And the best part: The wife LOVES it! (so do the kids).
I would like to sincerely thank all of you for your ideas and input in helping me find a vehicle...it was a great help. The lack of a 4wd vehicle been the one thing preventing me from getting out there and "just doing it".