I'm thinking about buying a project truck.

[rred]

I'm curious about buying an early 90's model truck. I've found a few nice trucks for under $2g. But I'm curious about how much it would cost to beef it up and make it trail capable. I know tires are rediculously pricey, but I'd like to get something to romp in. I thought about going with a Jeep XJ, but I want a V8. Haven't had one since my first car. Just a thought here, but could turn into a project. What do you all think?

[BLB]

I'm curious about buying an early 90's model truck. I've found a few nice trucks for under $2g. But I'm curious about how much it would cost to beef it up and make it trail capable. I know tires are rediculously pricey, but I'd like to get something to romp in. I thought about going with a Jeep XJ, but I want a V8. Haven't had one since my first car. Just a thought here, but could turn into a project. What do you all think?

Buy a Ford if your going truck:yikes:

[TonyM]

Find a one ton Ford pickup (86-94, any of those years) and you'll be 3/4 done with a build. I see them all day on craigslist for 3k and under.

Another 3k and it will have tires, lift, bumpers, winch.... and you'll be done.

For 5k invested you could have a solid rig that will go anywhere 90% of the big over-built rigs go.

[rred]

Sweet, I'm looking. Not in a huge hurry here. What type of suspension is under the fords? What's the basics on getting one lifted?

[rred]

Oh, I found a 1ton Ford 4x4 V8 van for $450. Runs and drives, everything works, and it passed IM. Wouldnt that be a character for the trail?

[TonyM]

You'd want a lift kit probably. Leaf springs in the front, springs or blocks in the rear, drop pitman arm, possibly extended breaklines... and thats %90 of what you'll need. A body lift is a good idea too so that you can get easy access to underneath when working on it, but not mandatory.

After that, a little cutting, and you'll be clearing 38"+ tires no prob, with one ton running gear and drive train (Pretty much bombproof for anything 44 and down in tire size).

[AkWhtBst]

Or you could just buy mine. Its done, and is pretty much bulletproof.

Tim

229-9048

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/1507492083.html

http://images.craigslist.org/3mf3o33l05O95P85R69ccc9cfb0f1606b1492.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3n83p03le5Vf5Q15T39ccfbdb228ad6241b0f.jpg

[rred]

I'd like to jump on th bronco band wagon. Always wanted one, and I like the SUV for the weather protected cargo area. Are there any good junk yards around here to pick up things, maybe 1ton front/read ends?

[TonyM]

I'd like to jump on th bronco band wagon. Always wanted one, and I like the SUV for the weather protected cargo area. Are there any good junk yards around here to pick up things, maybe 1ton front/read ends?

They come up from time to time... but expect to pay 800-1k for a set. Also, most broncos are coil up front, which means you'll either have to find a coil 60 front end, convert the 60 to coil (Not fun) or convert it to leaf up front. The rear will bolt right in however.

I like broncos too... :ihih:

[rred]

Oooouuh . . . that's nice. hmmm

[TonyM]

Oooouuh . . . that's nice. hmmm


If you could talk Tim out of his for around 5K, I would get it. Thats a smokin deal, and has everything you need.

If you decide you want to go to a bronco later, you'll have everything to do it... just a swap over... :driving:

[rred]

What do you think about buying something with 150,000 miles on it?

[AkWhtBst]

6k is my bottom dollar. Great deal at 6k. Go have a quote for how much that bed would run you to have built, then price out the rest of the truck. Well under half what it would cost to build.

[TonyM]

What do you think about buying something with 150,000 miles on it?

Depends on the motor. Diesel? no prob. 460? depends, but most likely good to go. 351? eh... I'd prob pass, 302? prob pass as well. 300I6? No prob

[rred]

aren't the 351s and 302s pretty cheap and easy to rebuild or just replace?

[TonyM]

6k is my bottom dollar. Great deal at 6k. Go have a quote for how much that bed would run you to have built, then price out the rest of the truck. Well under half what it would cost to build.

I agree, 6k is a great price. 8k is a great price.

But ultimatly, its only worth as much as someone will pay for it right?

If I could get 1/3 of what I have into my Bko, I'd sell it right now. But I know that will never happen, and thats why I prob won't ever sell it (These things aren't exactly investments that you make to try and get a return on...lol).

You get lucky and find the right person, rarely, but thats the game I guess..

I just through 5k out there because that would be a steal... :yikes:

[TonyM]

aren't the 351s and 302s pretty cheap and easy to rebuild or just replace?

eh... depends on whats available. They are very common, but how often do you want to be doing motor swaps on a EFI motor...lol :beatdeadhorse5:

[AkWhtBst]

You are right it worth what someone will pay. We can never get close to what we put into these things building them. Its like throwing money away building them if you plan on selling them.

[BLB]

Like Tony said best bet is a F350 already 1ton (86-98) 86-94ish for kingpin dana 60. 6inch springs with 3inch body lift weld front and rear and trim a little for 38's and done. 460 with a C-6 would be prime lol:driving:

[rred]

Thanks Fellas! I appreciate the good input.

[ryantowry_81]

shit you want to go real cheap, i got a strait axle toyota i will sell you for 400 and then trow a v-8 into it, add some 35's and you will be slinging mud for cheap. and toyota parts are cheap, lots of aftermarket support, and if you want covered storage get a canopy.

just throwing out new ideas....

[Chevy Man]

As a Chevy guy, I must throw in the fact that you can pick up a one ton GM from 73-87 for about 1k, that runs and drives and is bullet proof. Not to mention availability if stock and aftermarket parts is larger than any of the big 3. Motors are extremely cheap and easy to come by and last. The one tons are on par with any axles under any other one ton. ( aside of the corporate 14bolt. The d60s are avilable in dodges and fords of the same year stretch. And anyone will tell you that the 14 bolt is as strong if bit stronger in certain areas than the sterling). The tcase (usually a np205 in the one tons) is bullet proof and was available in the fords and dodges of the era. The trannys are the best of any brand in the era, ie: th400 or sm465. You just get a shitload of durable parts for a whole 1k. No joke. I'm sure even Tony will agree. Don't limit yourself to one brand and a certain generation when working on a budget... You'll loose out. There is a GM crew cab one ton on ak4x4 for 1600. Runs and drives. Lifted 4". You could get that and chop the frame and be miles ahead of spending 2k on a stock half ton.

[TonyM]

One thing Patrick forgot to mention.... Chevy's are gay :dita:

Also, Ford is the only Mfg with high pinion (Reverse rotation) differentials. This is a big plus when working with driveline angles.

I do agree that chevys are cheaper... and parts are cheaper and more available with more aftermarket options. But did I mention they are gay :D

[00TJ]

I have 2 chevys..go FORD:shocked:

[Grape Ape]

i started with a dodge... its slowly turning into a ford lol

[rred]

One thing Patrick forgot to mention.... Chevy's are gay :dita:

Also, Ford is the only Mfg with high pinion (Reverse rotation) differentials. This is a big plus when working with driveline angles.

I do agree that chevys are cheaper... and parts are cheaper and more available with more aftermarket options. But did I mention they are gay :D

And the largest debate known to man continues on.

[Chevy Man]

I have 2 chevys..go FORD:shocked:

I have 5 Chevys!! Go... fu*k yourself!! :smilielol5: Hahahaha, jk... but seriously :skep:, go do things to yourself, Chevys are great! :ciappa::Chevy_anim::Chevy_anim:

[Chevy Man]

Damnit Tony, I was just pointing out that he has alot of options for a great rig. And a Dana axle is a Dana axle, Ford just so happened to be the only one to offer the HP. Hell, Id love to find one and re do it to be pass drop for my rig... Just get the best bang for your buck man. All three are the best there is out there... eff jeeps, and yotas (lol, Ryan, yours is more GM... and Wayne, yours is Ford...), and all the foreign junk. Go with late 70s to early ninties American steel. If your budget is 2k, find whatever brand that will fit that budget that is a one ton, (hopefully with extras!!)

[rred]

I'm finding plenty of half tons, a couple broncos, and even some ram chargers. But the only 1ton I found is a ford van with a "big V8". For the price, it might be interesting. I wonder how much is different, besides the obvious body.

[TonyM]

I'm finding plenty of half tons, a couple broncos, and even some ram chargers. But the only 1ton I found is a ford van with a "big V8". For the price, it might be interesting. I wonder how much is different, besides the obvious body.


Stay away from a van... regardless :arf:

[00TJ]

I have 5 Chevys!! Go... fu*k yourself!! :smilielol5: Hahahaha, jk... but seriously :skep:, go do things to yourself, Chevys are great! :ciappa::Chevy_anim::Chevy_anim:

:rofl::ciappa: