Trucks that don't suck

DH1

DH1

Joined
Nov 8, 2006
Messages
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Just wondering what other ESEE folk here like in regards to trucks and SUVs. I've been toying with the idea of trading in/selling my 2004 Blazer after it's payed off in a few months and getting a pickup from the 70's or 80's. From what I understand they are easy to work on, which is precisely why I want to get rid of my Blazer. I'd love to customize and repair a truck for once without being a computer geek or worrying about breaking a plastic panel.

The 4WD recently stopped working correctly on the Blazer, and it's a damn digital problem. The ignition or "security" system decides to not start the truck up every so often to..another electrical problem.

But aside from my complaining, I'd like to hear any experiences anyone has had with "old" trucks or SUVs. Another pain in the ass might be getting an inspection sticker..how often do these old trucks fail emissions tests?
 
I built the Wrangler pictured and owned it for 10 years before I decided I needed more room for camping and outdoor use. I REALLY like the new Cherokee I built. Very good 4WD for all purposes.
 

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my fathers and my soon to be truck is a ford ranger that has held up fairly well (considering we have the same birth year).
 
I have a 85 s-15 blazer and sold 2 years ago my 81 f100 and last year my 83 f100. All very very easy to work on lots of room under the hood, however my 08 f350 6.4 twin turbo diesel blows them away much nicer inside only thing I like better about one of my older truck is there cheap and easy to fix when I am dumb. Every other way my kingranch wins hands down. Oh and gas mileage ... I had just over a TON yes a TON of stone in my bed and from NC to MS I got about 18.6 MPG ...
 
emissions tests? what are those lol..sorry man that must suck to have those..here in Mich we have no such test..i remember back in high school working on some buddies cars, if the catalytic converters ever went out we used to just knock them out and bolt the muffler right back on and away we went lol..

but as far as older trucks SUVs..you cant go wrong with a good old 67-72 C10 man..look good and a solid built truck.
 
I'm a Toyota Land Cruiser guy. Sold my 1977 FJ40 and now have a 100 series Land Cruiser. Safest, best riding SUV on the road along with being the most dependable. In my Land Cruiser club they 100 series can perform as well as and in some cases out perform everything on the trails.
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This was my 77'. The older stuff is easy and fun to work on if you are able to. But for me not practical.
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Truck that don't suck?? good luck with that one.. I've had trouble at one time or another with EVERY vehicle I've owned including a brand new Toyota Tacoma..

Currently I drive a Chevy Silverado CC4x4 Diesel.. 137K with no problems.. best part is its PAID..

yeah it sucks, diesel is $334 gal.....

I love early trucks/cars and have had my share with a long list to follow.. You better be ready to work on it even if most things are new, best part though is you learn your vehicle's quirks.. However newer vehicles are also easy to work on but require technical gizmo's :D If you have push button 4x4 its just the switch, easy fix..
 
I'm running my 04 6.0 diesel Excursion until it dies. 285,000 all original drivetrain except injectors. I have had great luck with the Powerstroke diesels. This is my fourth.
 
I bought a Cummins and it came with the Dodge. It does not suck. It has a bit of work into it. Went to a larger tire than in the pics. 35s now. Dynos at 473 HP and 940 ft lbs of torque. 2005 6 speed.

Towing the skid steer out to a buddies to build a range.

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When it had the small tires.

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'78 F-150. They don't build trucks like that anymore. Ford's twin I-beam front suspension was the best truck front end ever built. I'm guessing they don't do it that way anymore due to cost.
Parts are cheap and easy to find.
Don't know about emissions though, we got rid of vehicle testing here in Kentucky.
 
most jeeps are a great choice. i would avoid anything from 2007 and up. thats where computers really took hold. i have a 05 TJ and have yet to have any major problem. all the little things are trail breaks and i fix my self. tonnes of info out there too

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this is one of the farm trucks that is still chugging along, it's a 87 chevy and the OD stopped working at 350,00 km's years ago (maybe 1995). it got t-boned la couple years ago, still drives true. the gas tank holds more too. the tranny blue last year. a easy fix

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she might be ugly as sin, but she runs like a champ
 
Based on what you posted your needs and desires are I think I would build a 73-79 Ford.

I hate old vehicles myself but those trucks are fairly modern, were well made, have minimal plastic, and as stated have good durable underpinnings.

Pickups go up in price much more and we may all be looking for an oldie rather than shelling out 60K for a not do durable vehicle.
 
What exactly do you plan on doing with it? Off-roading? What type? Slow? Fast? Mud?

Unless you're a carburetor fanatic, I recommend sticking to something with EFI. You've got tons of options... time to make a list of the things that are important to you and go from there.

I'm a big fan of 87-96 Twin Traction Beam Fords. An EFI 302 is still capable of relatively decent mileage. They can be made to work extremely well off-road (fast, rough stuff). Broncos are essentially the same thing. They can be stupid(scary)-fast in the rough.

Explorers and Rangers are basically the same thing only smaller. In my opinion, the 4.0L Ford is one of their best engine ever. They run clean and well forever and make great power where you need it. The auto transmissions can be weak if not maintained and kept cool but I've had good luck with them. The 5 speeds hold up really well. Best of all, even with lift and tires, the 4.0L is still capable of 20 plus mpgs on the freeway.

TBI Chevys are good and easy to work on. I would stay away from the independent front suspension trucks unless you only want a street queen. K5 Blazers can be had with TBI and solid axles... great combo, cheap parts and easy to work on.

Landcruisers are great. They can be expensive to modify and work on (or pay someone to), but they're Toyotas....

I could go on and on. Give us some specifics on what you want to do and we'll give suggestions accordingly.

This is my truck:

1984 Bronco with Autofab suspension

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^^^^ Great pics fellas!

I've owned em all. Chevy, Ford, Dodge... loved all of them. But I've gone Jap-Truck! The Toyota is not only better built... but it is made in San Antonio. It uses more American made parts than Government Motors, Dodge, or Ford...

I did not enter into this decision lightly.. but I am exhausted by throwing good money after bad with GM, dodge, and ford. The Tundra is exemplary after 2 years of hard use. Anyone looking for a truck should look into them. :thumbup:
 
CLICKBANGBANG said:
I bought a Cummins and it came with the Dodge. It does not suck.
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+1...... :thumbup:

Then I have one of these to play with..... ;)
Mine has a camper shell on it and is OD Green....... for now.

M 1028 CUCV 5/4 Ton
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1985 K30 pickup / J code 6.2L diesel / TH400 3 speed automatic / NP208 transfer case.
Dana 60 front axle with limited slip
Corporate 14 bolt rear axle with Detroit Locker
4.56 gears
 
I'm still on my first vehicle, but it's been great. It's an '88 GMC Sierra. I bought it for 2K with 76K original miles on it. I've got it up to probably near if not over 100K on it by now (odometer quit working at 78K) It's a 5.7 350 V8 so I bet I can get a lot more mileage out of it. Its a gas sucker, and sucks with gas prices. But it's a beast and I love it. Easy to work on, simple, and other than some typical parts wearing out and needing to be replaced, it's been great.

When I eventually need a new truck, It'll probably be another GMC or a Toyota. I
ve always hated Fords, and I'm indifferent towards Dosge. My dad and grampaw have both had Dakotas that have lasted a good while, but now that they're run by Fiat, I just don't know.
 
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