Trucks that don't suck

saskredneck said:
hey guys ill add my .2cents. i spent 6 years pulling wrenches on oilfield trucks up here in Sask / alberta. these are trucks that run 365 days a year no matter the weather and when your in the patch time is money so these trucks get driven hard. the most bullet proof truck IMHO is the ford twin I beam suspension 86-96. actually any ford truck new or old are pretty durable, my second choice would be to drive a dodge 1ton with a cummins engine.
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I drive a one ton, crew cab, 4x4 with the 7.3. So I agree!
 
Anyone have experience with a Ranger or Tacoma? I see one in my future and am interested in hearing any personal experiences with either.
 
Both Rangers and Tacomas have always been good trucks. If you're getting a Ranger, stay away from the 3.0L. Get either a 4.0L or the 4 cylinder.

I like the older pushrod 4.0L over the new overhead cam engines. The later model engines make a ton of power but the fuel economy sucks. The older 4.0L makes great low-end torque and gets great fuel economy. I've had at least three 200,000 plus mile OHV 4.0L's that got at least 20mpg on the freeway in 4 door 4wd Explorers.

The 4.0L and 5 speed are a really nice combo. The autos can be good, too. You just need to keep them clean and cool.
If you're getting a 4 cylinder I would strongly suggest a 5 speed.

Tacomas are... Toyotas. They're great trucks.
 
i can personally comment the tacomas, from 95-04 they are about as easy to work on
as my good ole' cherokee (but nothing beats the 4.0)

tough as nails and with a manual trans really good on gas plus the 3.4 aint half bad for towing.

Very reliable easily maintained. an all around good little truck.

OH yeah its got a really stout frame that holds up well in salty environments (ie jersey in winter and at the shore)
 
97 ford f350 7.3l diesel. I will never get rid of it but I'd love to build a crew cab Ford with a 12v cummins. It's all mechanical, EMP proof and you can run filtered waste motor oil if you want to. One of these days I'll start making bio diesel for my own consumption as well.
 
1973 thru 1987 Chevy or GMC 4x4. Ive owned a bunch of them. I have a 79 gmc 4x4 and a 1980 Chevy stepside in the driveway now.
 
dispatch 510 said:
1973 thru 1987 Chevy or GMC 4x4. Ive owned a bunch of them. I have a 79 gmc 4x4 and a 1980 Chevy stepside in the driveway now.
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+1...they don't make em like that anymore. 1987 GMC 4x4 is my favorite truck, as mentioned earlier in this thread.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys:thumbup:

@dispatch510,zack and SDG;
73-87 Chevy/GMC...so what happened with the 1988 trucks that made you leave them out?:D


Overall I've been looking at finding a small/mid sized truck like a Chevy/GMC, Ford Ranger or Toyota. Those all seem cost effective for me considering initial cost and parts/repair.
 
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