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Looking for advice

5K views 52 replies 18 participants last post by  moosecat 
#1 ·
I'm new to the 4x4 scene. I'm going to buy a used pickup and turn it into a "whatever" truck. I want one that I can do 70mph down the hi-way and if need arises I want to be able to stop and go x-country and be able to handle whatever. Hence, the "whatever truck". My question is, is there a particular make and model that would work for this? I do like a long-bed and a 4 door but I have the feeling that this would be too big.? Nothing is set in concrete though. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx.
 
#10 ·
I am a toyota guy and I agree.

Find a solid first gen tacoma, mild lift, 33's, pair of lockers, some armor and you will have a rig capable of wheeling all day, carrying all your gear, cruising 70+ in comfort, ect ect.

Have owned two built like this and they were the best trucks I ever owned...i wish I could have found a way to keep the second one.
 
#7 ·
Sounds like a good deal. But, I'm having to piece mine together as I go. Just don't have that kind of cash on hand right now. So, I figure if I build it as I go since I'm not in a big hurry I can afford to buy quality equipment and build a fine machine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying yours isn't quality. I'm just saying that I have to this piece by piece.
 
#12 ·
Depends on how much you want to spend....they were built from 96-04. 96-97 were the same....the issue with these years is the rear springs are shorter than later years which makes it tough to find replacements. 98-00 got a mild sheetmetal makeover and the longer rear springs. 01-04 got a more significant sheetmetal makeover...also saw the availibility of the 4 doors. Mechanically they are all moreless the same from 96-04.

Key things in my mind:

Check the frame good...like most toyotas there were rust issues on some
Get a v-6....more power than 4cyl, same gas mileage
I would buy the newest one you can afford.
 
#13 ·
If you find the tacomas out of your price range, the early 90's toyota pickups were great too but they are no where near as to ride in or drive for long periods of time due to lack of refinement and power.
 
#16 ·
X2

You can find a first gen TBI GM truck that is 4wd for less then 4k with a rebuilt engine (and maybe auto trans) if your patient enough. The maintenance cost on these trucks is very low compared to newer trucks. If you know how to do body work(it is really not hard). Or simply have a willingness to spend the time cutting, welding, grinding, and priming you can have a very dependable good running truck that will go into most reasonable situations in stock form.

But, finding one that is a 4 door is a different story. If you can get away with only 2 doors then these trucks are dang near perfect. If you need 4 doors for kids or just drunk buddies that you don't want freezing in the winter then consider a suv. Most people that have weekend warriors don't really use more of the trucks beds space then they would with a suv. For those rare occasions you can borrow or rent a small trailer unless your planning on taking this thing into the woods a few times a month kind of deal.
 
#25 ·
I'll offer some input. It's hard to make an "everything" vehicle. As you add capabilities to your rig, you will be subtracting favorable characteristics from from your vehicle. As you add lift and big tires, your rig's road manners and braking become unfavorable. The truely "everything" vehicle does not exist. Instead you have choose or build a vehicle that is a compromise on all fronts so it does ok on the road and pretty good off road. When you go one direction or the other something must give way. You can have a great trail rig, great mud bogger, great sand dragger, great rock crawler, or great road driver, but a vehicle that is capable of anything you throw at it doesn't exist.

Hope this helps guide you with your choices.
 
#27 ·
trail rig = almost any stock to mildly built rig. Good road manners and does "so-so" off road.
mud bogger = big tires, & lots of HP. High center of gravity. Not good for much else. Poor road manners.
sand dragger = small tires but not streetable. Low center of gravity. Lots of Hp. Usually single purpose & not a trail rig.
rock crawler = depends on definition. 37-40" tires. Great trail rigs, will handle almost any terrain. so-so on the road.
road driver = good on mild offroad experiences but not good for anything above mild.

If you are looking to get involved in offroading but don't know what you really want to do, put a set of 33 - 35" tires on any 'ol rig and start getting involved.:thumb:

One other point, in today's world, trespassing and tearing shit up just to have fun is frowned on and hurts the entire sport. just something to keep in mind...................
 
#30 ·
Personally, I think that truck would suck off road. You want something with a modestly short wheel base to effectivly off road with. Since you are just starting out, I would suggest a Jeep Cherokee or a Suzuki Samurai. Both these vehicles can be bought fairly cheap and they are both tough as hell considering what you would pay. I would also suggest having a daily driver you don't off road because as you become more experienced off road, you well test your vehicle capabilities to the point that you WILL break something. If you are wheeling your daily driver, you will now be in a world of hurt unless you have another vehicle to drive.

I would get the truck and use it as a tow rig for your trail beater. You can get a off road vehicle and trailer for $2000-$3000, then you DD driver will remain unmolested.
 
#31 ·
Well, I think I found my first rig project. I met a guy today that has a 1989 grand wagoneer. It's got a lift kit and I think he said 33 inch tires. Anyway, they were big! He was telling me a little about it. That thing is a tank! He said hw uses it quite often on the road with no handling problems. All I know is that I want one. He said that the 1989 year was the best. Any thoughts?
 
#35 · (Edited)
yes it will be that bad.

I love my Grand Cherokee but need to sell it to finish my Wrangler. Not trying to sell you mine, just saying.

It has regularly been driven down the highway, hit the trails and is driven back no problem. Rides good even after being lifted. They can be cheap to buy. Easy to work on. And easy to find parts for. I think it would make a good starter all around rig.

Just a thought.

 
#37 ·
Nice looking rig. Does anyone know of or have exp with a Tundra or Titan? Sorry for all the questions. But anytime I get into something new I research it to death before I make my first move. Then to the dismay of my wife I jump in with both feet.But, I never go half way and won't quit til it's donw right. I do appreciate you guys letting me pick your brains though.
 
#41 ·
Shop with local companies. I deal with rocksolid performance in cedar springs. I believe their website will have a shopping cart and a huge selection shortly. Bj, the owner is a second none guy to deal with. I guarantee he will do anything to make sure you are happy with whatever you get. Ironman offroad and jcr are also 2 very reputable shops.
 
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