4x4 question from a non 4x4 guy...

[OKGMC4]

Please don't tear me apart, I am normally into 2wd stuff but always wanted a 4x4. I'm just trying to understand...wouldn't a 1 ton truck be a better starting point than a 1/2 ton truck? They seem to come with heavier duty parts (axles, trannies, etc). I only ask because I have been looking into getting a 4wd and have looked at an M715 Jeep. If you don't know what these are they are a 1 1/4 ton truck with seriously heavy duty parts. Look up M715 on youtube and you can see one pull out a stuck wrangler and a full size bronco at the same time! Anyhow...if the Jeep deal falls through wouldn't a 1 ton be a better starter truck?

[msgross]

depends what you want to do with the truck, they don't make 1-ton shortbeds... and 1-tons ride very rough due to the stiff suspension

look into M-1008 or M-1024 CUCV's. You can find them on ebay, CL or the govliquidation.com website. great start for a mean 4x4, only downside is the older diesel which most don't like. they have dana60 front axles (Very tough) and 14-bolt rears with a 1 1/4 ton frame.... 4.56 gears and a locker in the rear and plenty of parts available for cheap! www.steelsoldiers.com has a lot of info...

[msgross]

here's a good m715 video... I like how he parades them around!

YouTube- M-715 4x4 In action

[onlyifihadachevy]

If you are going to offroad then a 1 ton would be better for starting than 1/2tons and 3/4tons.

[special-K]

Yes,a 1t is what all 4 wheelers want.There are way more 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks because way more were sold.If they made them today(solid axle that is) they would be off the lot in no time.The military trucks are over rated for some reason.What they call a 1 1/4t is actually a 1t in the civilian world.

[msgross]

by overated you mean the terminology and not the actual truck... for $3000 you can start with a decent K-30 m1008... the axles alone are worth half that...

[71blksuper4x4]

I don't really recommend the m715 jeep either. It may have some big parts on it, but the bigger isn't always better here. The Dana 60's or 70's these have are no where near what a D60 is a 1 ton Chevy. They aren't worth as much, and they have drum brakes. They also are closed knuckled axles. This means more of a pain to work on, and less turning radius. It would be better to start with a 78-91 1 ton Chevy/GMC. Not everyone needs a 1 ton though. Your question is wouldn't a 1 ton be better to start with. Yes and no, yes if you are going to be lifting it with some big meats (37" +) and if you are going to be abusing it. No, if you are just wanting a clean looking maybe somewhat lifted truck that you might occasionally thrash on. Trevor

[special-K]

Originally Posted by msgross

by overated you mean the terminology and not the actual truck... for $3000 you can start with a decent K-30 m1008... the axles alone are worth half that...

I mean they call a 1t a 1 1/4t.It`s just a K/30,not a K/30.25.
Don`t they call the Blazers 3/4t?

When I said "yes,all 4 wheelers want them" I didn`t mean every 4wd owner.I meant for 4 wheeling...as for an off road recreational use vehicle.Otherwise,what 71blksuper4x4 said rings true.What red-blooded 4wd nut wouldn`t want that wipy ittle short bed he has? (Trevor knows I`m kidding)

BTW,we don`t bash here and that wasn`t even a stupid question you asked anyway.Don`t you have any stupid ones? Let me correct myself,when someone does bash they get warned.When they don`t listen and continue we send them,tail between their legs,running back to their immature buddies on those other sites to tell them to not even bother registering here.We`re justa buncha nice guys here that like to help.

[OKGMC4]

BTW,we don`t bash here and that wasn`t even a stupid question you asked anyway.Don`t you have any stupid ones? Let me correct myself,when someone does bash they get warned.When they don`t listen and continue we send them,tail between their legs,running back to their immature buddies on those other sites to tell them to not even bother registering here.We`re justa buncha nice guys here that like to help.[/QUOTE]

I appreciate the advice. I just don't know squat about 4wd. When people start spouting off tcase numbers and different axle types I get all dizzy. I looked at the m1008 trucks and that does seem like a much better deal than the M715. (parts availability, brakes, etc) I also discovered the M880 Dodge trucks and they also seem like a better possible candidate. Last night my dad called and said he found a 1973 power wagon crew cab 3/4 ton 4wd in a farm pasture for FREE, just have to go get it. Price is right but I'd almost rather spend money on a truck that runs than take a basket case I know nothing about. Not sure what to do, too many options!

[71blksuper4x4]

Tim, you got a lil swb too .

If I was you, drag home that free power wagon and part it out, atleast that would give you more money to persue what you want. Trevor

[Lonnies Performance]

Keep in mind if you do not want to beat on it, a 1/2 ton is OK.... but you will break driveline parts if you start wheeling it hard with big tires. If you want a mall cruiser, then by all means a 1/2 ton will be fine, plus it will be lighter, get better mileage etc.

If you want to pull a trailer, you will definitely like the bigger 3/4 & 1 ton brakes.

As for comparing a 3/4 & 1 ton, do not pass up a nice 3/4... you can buy a nice D60 for about $1K or less & the rears are the same.

Watch for the light duty 3/4 tons, which have a non-floating rear axle, that is less desirable.

As stated above, the military vehicles are nice as they already have the D60, posi & also 4.56's. Great gear for 35" & larger tires.

All depends what you want.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

Tim, you got a lil swb too .

...with one ton axles planned little feller. But,leaning more now towards beefing up the K/2500 and keeping the short bed a mildly lifted runabout...with 3/4t axles!!! Mostly to keep all trucks 8-lug and to have a full floater.

I`ve run 14.50/37s on Dana44 front axles trucks for years.I`ve broken alot of stuff,too.But,prolly due to a worn part.If that outer stub axle isn`t held centered in vertical and horizontal plane it`s busted u-joint time.Yoke,too,unless you`re lucky.The same can happen to a Dana60,though.If I was building for 4 wheelin`I`d go beefy and be done,rather than go through all the progressions.That`s just me.I had cash for a Sportster or 1/2 for a Big Twin.I went with what I really wanted and still enjoy that same bike 20 years later.If you think you want a 1t drivetrain,do it.

[msgross]

Lonnies Performance, please refer to the board rules pertaining to selling... You must be a pid subscriber to offer items for sale on the board, then only in the classifieds.