Im moving and I need a good truck for snow - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

elize121 · 07-07-2005, 08:43 PM

I live in California and I have never had a need for a "good" truck and with the gas prices now I just stuck with my little car. Even though I wasnt happy with it. I am in the process of moving to northern Idaho and I am going to need a good 4 wheel or offroad truck up there. Any suggestions for what I need. I am moving into the mountains and I know its going to snow alot. I already love offroading but I never had one of my own to use. Please Help.

Brainchild · 07-08-2005, 03:50 AM

I would have a look over at hte sale board,ad see if something catches your eye.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...?s=&forumid=51

**special-K** · 07-09-2005, 06:30 AM

Wait `til you get to Idaho.You`ll see deals up there.Not saying you won`t here.Just would be best to find one local once you`re there.In the snow you want good ground clearance and not so wide tires.A typical western mtn truck would be a not so flashy more for utility rig.Not too many Blvds there.I`d go with a 4" lift/285/75x16(M/T,SSR,MTR).All-Terrains do well in snow,too.Limited-slip is a nice touch,posi can be tricky.A winch could pay for itself pretty quick.A box with tire-chains and tow-strap or chain is a must.A hi-lift jack and shovel,too.

Brandon · 07-25-2005, 05:35 PM

I live in Nothern Colorado in them moutains and I use without fail my 69 K10, factory leaf sprung suspension with BFG ATs 33x12.5s. I use the old mudder tire tread theory, if the tread can clean itself efficiently then why would a smaller contact patch matter?

Hoods69BadBowTie · 07-26-2005, 06:52 PM

Yeah, I got some relatives up in idaho and I seen some sweet 4x4 trucks up there. Pretty decent shape and damn good prices in my opinion. Probably want a small lift and somw bigger tiresl, wide but not super wide. Like 33x12.50 or something around there. Winch would be good idea.
-Later

guttdogg · 08-25-2005, 09:55 AM

used to live there, and at the time i didnt have a winch... (really wish i did a couple times) there were times, mostly in febuary (ish) where id have the chains on, be in 4-LO and granny LO and could hardly make it up the hill... the problems we had was snow melt freezing on the road...

so i would definately agree with all of the above!!!

where abouts you moving to?

Kiss My SS · 08-25-2005, 11:20 AM

I agree, wait till you get there. I was in Boise last week and was amazed at how rust free all the trucks seemed to be. They are also a lot lower priced there than Cali would be. There were several decent priced, great shape 67-72 trucks and a couple blazers for sale around Boise. I am going there next time I am in the market for a new truck.

67ChevyRedneck · 08-25-2005, 11:35 AM

I'd suggest a mid-ninetys (older than that may be a little rusty if you buy one there) to 2002 chevy Z-71. If that's what you go for, try to find one with a manual shift lever for the 4wd, some trucks with the electric switches have the switches go bad. For the mid ninetys to 98 definately get the 5.7L and for the 99-02 get the 5.3L. Gas mileage for my truck (strictly city to work and back) is 15 and I get a little over 18 hwy. If you want a REAL truck a 67-72 4wd is bad-ass, but probably not cheap on gas.

71swb4x4 · 08-25-2005, 01:22 PM

The tires will make you more than the vehicle will. Get good snow tires, these days snow tires are way different than they were 15 years ago. My wife drives a Saturn, and we bought a set of tires that are comparable to the Blizzak, they are awesome. Whole different vehicle in the snow vs the stock tires. We mounted them on an extra set of stock wheels that we bought for $40 and swap every winter.
I am not saying a Saturn will replace a 4x4, but when you find a 4x4 make certain you put good quality snow tires on it if you are willing to swap every winter, or good quality all seasons if you don't want to swap.

stelth2002 · 08-25-2005, 01:49 PM

Lyndsi, where you moving too. I've been all over Id and even know of a couple deals you might be interested in.

JT

panhandler62 · 08-25-2005, 01:49 PM

This will probably get me banned.. but..

If you are looking for daily transportation and don't want to use a lot of gas about the best 4 season vehicle for a place like Idaho would be a Subaru wagon.

**StingRay** · 08-25-2005, 03:16 PM

Subaru's are great in the snow. Add snow tires and they are unstopable. We have a Toyota 4Runner that we run 4 Blizzak's on and you have to be in snow up to the bumpers before it slows you down. I use my 72 quite a bit in the snow and even as a 2wd with a non posi diff it does incredibly well with 4 studded ice radials and about 4 hundred pounds of sand bags in the back.

uncle_handsome · 08-26-2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingRay

Subaru's are great in the snow. Add snow tires and they are unstopable. We have a Toyota 4Runner that we run 4 Blizzak's on and you have to be in snow up to the bumpers before it slows you down. I use my 72 quite a bit in the snow and even as a 2wd with a non posi diff it does incredibly well with 4 studded ice radials and about 4 hundred pounds of sand bags in the back.

Are studs legal in Sask.?

If you don't want to swap tires in the winter, a few all-terrain tires are rated for severe snow use like the BFG All-Terrain. Any tires rated for this will have the "Mountain-Snowflake" symbol on the sidewall.

If you have a lot of money, a selectable locker like an air locker would be nice to have in at least the rear axle. It has two positions; a totally open differential for normal driving and locked, which makes it act like a spool. They are pricey though, like $700-800 for all the parts and then theirs the installation. (you probably don't want to install it yourself)

HeavyD · 08-26-2005, 02:52 PM

I will also add in a vote for real snow tires. I use them (Blizzaks, Arctic Aplins) every winter...they work great.

**StingRay** · 08-26-2005, 04:22 PM

Yes Uncle studs are still legal here. As for locking diffs they are really neat. Our Runner has an electric locking rear diff. It's one of the things that makes it almost unstoppable. A bit of a lift would really help in severely deep snow like they get in the mountains. I got the Runner stuck last winter out in front of my house in 3 feet of snow and the only thing stopping it was the under body and running boards hanging up in the deep stuff. As for winter tires there is no substitute for a true winter tire. Everything else is a compromise. We had about a month of 1" thick glare ice on the highways around here last year and the Runner with 4 Blizzaks locked into 4WD could easily safely handle 60 MPH but you couldn't go that fast cuz everbody else was going 30 and still sliding into the ditch. My truck was out of comission and I drove my wifes Supra with a ltd slip diff, two sandbags and 4 Blizzaks and never got stuck once in the worst winter here in 10 years. It was also very capable on ice and could easily safely outpace anything with all seasons on it.

uncle_handsome · 08-26-2005, 04:33 PM

Last winter I bought Canadian Tire's regular Motomaster snow tires for our 1993 Grand Caravan. I was stunned at how good the traction was. With 6" of snow or less it acted like how it normally did with rain on the road. I was on the road one day and it was so slick most people took about 10 seconds to get to 20 km/h. (about 13 mph) I could get to that speed in about 4 seconds easily.

Oh, if you're getting snow tires, try getting four tires instead of just two for the drive wheels. That way you'll be able to corner and stop fast too!

**StingRay** · 08-26-2005, 04:48 PM

Actually the studded tires on the truck are Can Tire Nordic Wintertrac's. They are really a BFG tire. Yes I find for the price they work really well. They still aren't a Blizzak though. Blizzak's for the Runner cost a grand last year. We can only afford so many sets of those!

SEVEND2 · 08-28-2005, 04:36 AM

I just seen on e on ebay for about 300 bucks with a plow in the front I think it was a 71 chevy C-20

uncle_handsome · 08-28-2005, 11:38 AM

You might not want a plow truck. They can be pretty beat up and have lots of damage that you can't see.

(What an older gentleman told me)

*FUNMUDDER* · 08-28-2005, 10:08 PM

I could get banned for this, too, but I'll say it anyway. My dad just got rid of a 93 Ford F-250 with a diesel and 4x4. Let me tell you, that thing would go through some snow, and they are tough trucks. Push almost anything in 4Lo and 1st gear. Always started right up and ran good. Been in some awful woods road with it plowing with my dad, and it took a helluva beating But Chevrolet is still better, no doubt. Sold the Ford for 2500 with the whole front chuck gone and fuel tank frigged up. Some thing in this world just aren't quite right.

*1FaastC10* · 08-28-2005, 10:23 PM

1 word... M1008.

07-07-2005, 08:43 PM	#1
elize121 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	Im moving and I need a good truck for snow I live in California and I have never had a need for a "good" truck and with the gas prices now I just stuck with my little car. Even though I wasnt happy with it. I am in the process of moving to northern Idaho and I am going to need a good 4 wheel or offroad truck up there. Any suggestions for what I need. I am moving into the mountains and I know its going to snow alot. I already love offroading but I never had one of my own to use. Please Help. __________________ Thanks, Lyndsi mac_bzd@hotmail.com "Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman's Scorn"

07-08-2005, 03:50 AM	#2
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I would have a look over at hte sale board,ad see if something catches your eye. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...?s=&forumid=51 __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

07-09-2005, 06:30 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Wait `til you get to Idaho.You`ll see deals up there.Not saying you won`t here.Just would be best to find one local once you`re there.In the snow you want good ground clearance and not so wide tires.A typical western mtn truck would be a not so flashy more for utility rig.Not too many Blvds there.I`d go with a 4" lift/285/75x16(M/T,SSR,MTR).All-Terrains do well in snow,too.Limited-slip is a nice touch,posi can be tricky.A winch could pay for itself pretty quick.A box with tire-chains and tow-strap or chain is a must.A hi-lift jack and shovel,too. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-25-2005, 05:35 PM	#4
Brandon Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Loveland, Co. USA Posts: 537	I live in Nothern Colorado in them moutains and I use without fail my 69 K10, factory leaf sprung suspension with BFG ATs 33x12.5s. I use the old mudder tire tread theory, if the tread can clean itself efficiently then why would a smaller contact patch matter? __________________ My opinons are just that, opinions derived from my personal experience with my '69 GMC K10. Please bear this in mind! Loveland, Co. 1969 GMC K10: GMG 350HO, K&N 14" 4" tall, MSD 6AL /MSD Pro Billet Dist. #8361 with SS Blaster and MSD 8.5MM spark plug wires, Edelbrock 1405 / Edelbrock Performer Manifold #2116, microcoated ram's horn 2.5 inch straight dump exhaust manifolds with custom fit aluminized pipe and Borla XR1s, and the original resurrected and massaged SM465 and Rockwell T/C. Brand new driveshafts and carrier bearing, 33X12.50 BFG ATs, and assorted kill switches.... "Forget about the body! It's a 4X4 for God's sake!"

07-26-2005, 06:52 PM	#5
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Yeah, I got some relatives up in idaho and I seen some sweet 4x4 trucks up there. Pretty decent shape and damn good prices in my opinion. Probably want a small lift and somw bigger tiresl, wide but not super wide. Like 33x12.50 or something around there. Winch would be good idea. -Later __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

08-25-2005, 09:55 AM	#6
guttdogg New Guy Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ocheyedan, Iowa (BFE) Posts: 72	used to live there, and at the time i didnt have a winch... (really wish i did a couple times) there were times, mostly in febuary (ish) where id have the chains on, be in 4-LO and granny LO and could hardly make it up the hill... the problems we had was snow melt freezing on the road... so i would definately agree with all of the above!!! where abouts you moving to? __________________ ~Guttdogg

08-25-2005, 11:20 AM	#7
Kiss My SS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Omaha/Grand Island, NE Posts: 229	I agree, wait till you get there. I was in Boise last week and was amazed at how rust free all the trucks seemed to be. They are also a lot lower priced there than Cali would be. There were several decent priced, great shape 67-72 trucks and a couple blazers for sale around Boise. I am going there next time I am in the market for a new truck. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo SS 1996 Saturn SC-2 1996 Ford Explorer XLT -Wife's rig

08-25-2005, 11:35 AM	#8
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I'd suggest a mid-ninetys (older than that may be a little rusty if you buy one there) to 2002 chevy Z-71. If that's what you go for, try to find one with a manual shift lever for the 4wd, some trucks with the electric switches have the switches go bad. For the mid ninetys to 98 definately get the 5.7L and for the 99-02 get the 5.3L. Gas mileage for my truck (strictly city to work and back) is 15 and I get a little over 18 hwy. If you want a REAL truck a 67-72 4wd is bad-ass, but probably not cheap on gas. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

08-25-2005, 01:22 PM	#9
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	The tires will make you more than the vehicle will. Get good snow tires, these days snow tires are way different than they were 15 years ago. My wife drives a Saturn, and we bought a set of tires that are comparable to the Blizzak, they are awesome. Whole different vehicle in the snow vs the stock tires. We mounted them on an extra set of stock wheels that we bought for $40 and swap every winter. I am not saying a Saturn will replace a 4x4, but when you find a 4x4 make certain you put good quality snow tires on it if you are willing to swap every winter, or good quality all seasons if you don't want to swap. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-25-2005, 01:49 PM	#10
stelth2002 Young Gun wth Fast Inline Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,475	Lyndsi, where you moving too. I've been all over Id and even know of a couple deals you might be interested in. JT __________________ 1967 Chevrolet LWB with built 292! 415 ft. lbs of torque, 4 speed :O with 27% overdrive too, 3.73 Posi. Frame and body done... getting painted!!!

08-25-2005, 01:49 PM	#11
panhandler62 Java Mechanic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 6,764	This will probably get me banned.. but.. If you are looking for daily transportation and don't want to use a lot of gas about the best 4 season vehicle for a place like Idaho would be a Subaru wagon. __________________ Keith 11 Lincoln MKT -- Momma's wagon 13 G37xS -- middle age crazy car 68 C20 Fleetside -- RIP Decorating the whole town up at a cost of $27 ....

08-25-2005, 03:16 PM	#12
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Subaru's are great in the snow. Add snow tires and they are unstopable. We have a Toyota 4Runner that we run 4 Blizzak's on and you have to be in snow up to the bumpers before it slows you down. I use my 72 quite a bit in the snow and even as a 2wd with a non posi diff it does incredibly well with 4 studded ice radials and about 4 hundred pounds of sand bags in the back. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

08-26-2005, 02:52 PM	#14
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,173	I will also add in a vote for real snow tires. I use them (Blizzaks, Arctic Aplins) every winter...they work great. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

08-26-2005, 04:22 PM	#15
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Yes Uncle studs are still legal here. As for locking diffs they are really neat. Our Runner has an electric locking rear diff. It's one of the things that makes it almost unstoppable. A bit of a lift would really help in severely deep snow like they get in the mountains. I got the Runner stuck last winter out in front of my house in 3 feet of snow and the only thing stopping it was the under body and running boards hanging up in the deep stuff. As for winter tires there is no substitute for a true winter tire. Everything else is a compromise. We had about a month of 1" thick glare ice on the highways around here last year and the Runner with 4 Blizzaks locked into 4WD could easily safely handle 60 MPH but you couldn't go that fast cuz everbody else was going 30 and still sliding into the ditch. My truck was out of comission and I drove my wifes Supra with a ltd slip diff, two sandbags and 4 Blizzaks and never got stuck once in the worst winter here in 10 years. It was also very capable on ice and could easily safely outpace anything with all seasons on it. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

08-26-2005, 04:33 PM	#16
uncle_handsome Uncle H. is this cartoon Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mississauga, SC (I wish! lol!) Ontario Posts: 797	Last winter I bought Canadian Tire's regular Motomaster snow tires for our 1993 Grand Caravan. I was stunned at how good the traction was. With 6" of snow or less it acted like how it normally did with rain on the road. I was on the road one day and it was so slick most people took about 10 seconds to get to 20 km/h. (about 13 mph) I could get to that speed in about 4 seconds easily. Oh, if you're getting snow tires, try getting four tires instead of just two for the drive wheels. That way you'll be able to corner and stop fast too!



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08-26-2005, 04:48 PM	#17
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Actually the studded tires on the truck are Can Tire Nordic Wintertrac's. They are really a BFG tire. Yes I find for the price they work really well. They still aren't a Blizzak though. Blizzak's for the Runner cost a grand last year. We can only afford so many sets of those! __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

08-28-2005, 04:36 AM	#18
SEVEND2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Menifee, Calif, USA Posts: 2,145	I just seen on e on ebay for about 300 bucks with a plow in the front I think it was a 71 chevy C-20 __________________ With a 1972 Chevy Custom-10 Long bed w/350cid th350, (under-construction). Progress on truck so far (follow link): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=51051 and stage 2 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=58132 ~ "Why couldn't you have just put the bunny back in the box?" ~

08-28-2005, 11:38 AM	#19
uncle_handsome Uncle H. is this cartoon Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mississauga, SC (I wish! lol!) Ontario Posts: 797	You might not want a plow truck. They can be pretty beat up and have lots of damage that you can't see. (What an older gentleman told me)

08-28-2005, 10:08 PM	#20
FUNMUDDER Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 427	I could get banned for this, too, but I'll say it anyway. My dad just got rid of a 93 Ford F-250 with a diesel and 4x4. Let me tell you, that thing would go through some snow, and they are tough trucks. Push almost anything in 4Lo and 1st gear. Always started right up and ran good. Been in some awful woods road with it plowing with my dad, and it took a helluva beating But Chevrolet is still better, no doubt. Sold the Ford for 2500 with the whole front chuck gone and fuel tank frigged up. Some thing in this world just aren't quite right.

08-28-2005, 10:23 PM	#21
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	1 word... M1008.

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