What is a good first 4x4 ???

[Stingray42]

Hey y'all!

I am looking at getting a 4x4 truck to fool around with I want something that will be inexpensive (no 2003 for me lol) not going to breakdown easy, (Are there any to stay away from?) parts easy to get hold of, and is good in snow, muck, etc. Powerful is good too. I love 67-72's, but these trucks to me are nice trucks, not mudders! To each his own, but a 73 and after is what I am looking for.

Thanks!!!
Andrew

[stlaser]

81-85 1ton, Dana 60 front corporate 14 rear, tranny doesn't matter it is going to be a th400 or sm465, transfer case will be a NP205 gear to gear. They came with 454's and also 350's. Absolutly one of the toughest trucks chevy ever drove off an assembly line. Hope this helps

[1969 GMC]

they started offering the K30 in 77 I think...it would be great, but sounds a bit overkill for what you want. people know what they are worth, and you can't usually find one for cheap. just stick to a 73 up K20, it will have a dana 44 up front instead of a 60. also may have a fulltime transfer case. or you could go to the ford side of things...I'm thinking 70's F-150 or F-250. both are pretty tough. also, an '86 up F-350 has a dana 60 frontend if you want beef...plus the option of a diesel. i'd personally hold out for an early 90's with a 7.3 (Powerstroke or non) diesel. Oh I forgot about the military K40 (1-1/4 ton) that Chevy made. I forget its technical name. it is basically a K30 but has a 6.2 diesel and a rear locker. there are plenty of other oddball vehicles that would be great to offroad. IH, Jeep, Ford, Dodge, and GM all made great 4x4's at one time or another. Also, people swear upon Toyota trucks and SUV's especially the older ones with solid front axles, altho i dont like them. good luck in your search

[DrMaserati]

All of the manufacturers have made good trucks. You really can't go wrong with any of them. But one of the things you mentioned should narrow it down to one truck.

If you want something you can get parts for any time and any place, you want a Chevy truck with a small block V-8. And the '73 and later is a good choice, because the 67-72 are becoming collectible, more expensive, and harder to find.

Even though I'm a diehard Chevy fan, I would never say that Ford, Dodge, and the others don't build good trucks. They do. But nothing can hold a candle to Chevy when it comes to parts availability.

You can see from my signature that I'm also an IH fan. Great trucks, tougher'n nails, and will last forever if you take care of them. But try to get parts on Sunday afternoon in Glasgow, Montana.

[JIMs70GMC]

The 5/4 is the M1008, in military terms.
My first 4x4 was a 76 Scout II had very stout drivetrain (T-19 tranny/ dana 20 TC) dana 44s front and rear. 4" got me 33s on 10" wide rims. I put about $1500 into and drove it for a while.
You can't beat parts availability with the GMs, I'd stay as early as possible and look for 3/4 ton and up (usually emissions requirements not as bad).

[Tink]

I know everyone likes the 3/4 ton and 1 tons, But 1/2 ton Chevys aren't bad either... 1/2 ton parts are typically cheaper and sometimes more readily avalible. However, If you go 1/2 ton, stay away from the 10 bolt rears if you can... I believe they switched to those in 77 or 78. I just picked up a 76 K5.... she's got a Dana 44 front, a 12 bolt rear, 350, THM350 and NP203... plenty beefy for the wheeling I do. Hell, I wheeled a stock S10 for years and it held up well to the abuse.

[Mudder]

The 12 bolt was around until the early 80's I believe. The late 70's and early 80's GM trucks are the way to go. Parts more handy and cheaper.