Hunting truck suggestions.

[LT.]

I have sold my 1969 Ford F-250 for a few reasons. First, with the truck being a manual tranny my left leg would hit the steering wheel every time I needed to shift. Second, I was concerned about the low hanging transfer case. And third, some one offered me $1,400 cash for the truck. I only paid $600 for it and really did not put much into it.

So, now I am looking for a new truck to take hunting. I have been looking at Toyota's here lately and have sat in a few and oddly enough, they have more leg room than my old F-250. I want something that has plenty of leg room. A truck that is manuverable but, has plenty of ground clearance. And I know that I can't leave anything alone so I am wanting lots of aftermarket support. I think it will eventually be riding on 37 to 40 inch tires but, not right off. I have a 16,500 lb winch that will be getting installed on the front. Solid axles front and rear, eventually, and I really don't care about the horse power as long as it can get me where I need to go and be reliable. What do y'all recommend?

LT.

 

[I Lean]

My 1985 4runner.

 

[Cascadia]

My 1981 Toyota pickup.

 

[LT.]

My 1985 4runner.

I like 4 runners and I have had one before but, I really don't think a Runner would be the way to go. Sorry.

My 1981 Toyota pickup.

I was thinking about a pickup so I can put the harvested animals in the bed. I do a lot of deer hunting in Nebraska. I would really like to keep the truck streetable for that long of a drive. I thought a Toyota with a solid axle or a solid axle swap would be the hot ticket. Good fuel mileage, lots of aftermarket support, nimble in the woods here in Northern New Mexico, and light enough for the deep mud of the mid west. I would like to have an extra cab for more leg room, I am six feet tall, and have a dry, secure place for the weapons.

LT.

 

[Cascadia]

I am 6'1" and I've got plenty of leg room in the truck but I do understand the want for an extra cab. It is streetable but that would be a long drive to Nebraska in my truck. Hope you find something that fits though. Maybe a second gen extended cab toyota with a solid axle.

 

[LT.]

I am 6'1" and I've got plenty of leg room in the truck but I do understand the want for an extra cab. It is streetable but that would be a long drive to Nebraska in my truck. Hope you find something that fits though. Maybe a second gen extended cab toyota with a solid axle.

Good idea. I am just trying to get an idea of what other folks think would be a good rig. A friend of mind reminded me of Chevy S-10's and Ford Rangers. Another friend reminded me of Dodge Dakotas and Dodge D-50's. I am looking for a vehicle that would have a lot of aftermarket support. I know that I can't leave anything alone.

I have been eye balling SixstringSteves Tacoma lately. Almost perfect, I just wish it was an extended cab instead of a crew cab. But other than that he has put together a heck of a crew cab Toyota.

LT.

 

[Cascadia]

You should look more into his truck. That thing is awesome and he's done everything right on it. And it'll definitely get you to Nebraska and back.

 

[Coco]

I do agree with cascadia on sixstringsteves taco, it is a sweet truck!! And trust me, you will love the 4 doors and extra room!! If I had the cash, I would scoop that up in a heartbeat. I have ALWAYS wanted to do a 4 door taco. Lewis' taco is the bomb!!!

 

[Rusted]

I always wonder what those SUV drivers do when the get their deer or elk. How does that critter smell as you drive all the way home with it in the back? Plus trucks have a place to put your muddy boots and that wet dog without scrubbing the carpets for days afterwords.

I vote get a truck.

 

[Chevycrew]

We just hauled a elk home in a 2nd gen 4runner from moab, didnt even notice the smell.

I vote at least an extra cab, they have more legroom.

 

[Bart]

I think you would be happier in the end with a 4 door than an ext cab. Go for the Taco. I wish I had the money to buy it.

 

[iamsparticus]

Steves taco would be perfect, good offroading ability with out doing anything to it, 4 doors will be greatly appricated, truck bed for deer elk or any muddy boots, and when your ready to get serious with 40's SAS the thing and your done

 

[LT.]

Yep, I think I am sold on the Tacoma idea. But, I am not too sure what cab configuration I want to go with. I like the extended cab because the bed is longer. But, I also like the crew cab for the interior size and comfort. I test drove a 1996 extended cab with the 2.7 liter and manual tranny today. I would have made an offer but I was not that crazy about the little engine. I think I am set on the 6 cylinder motor for now. After reviewing the dyno sheet from my 434 I don't think the stock drive train will hold up for very long. 700 hp is a heck of a lot for any drive train. I am eye balling a couple that are for sale on this forum right now. Next, I need to figure out how I am going to pay for it.

LT.

 

[iamsparticus]

payment is easy contact the university of Oregon state, they wil pay 40 some odd grand for a testicle so youd be set

 

[LT.]

Thanks sparticus 19. Okay, so here is my new thought. Since I really can't wait to get my hands on a Tacoma I am thinking about trading in my 2005 Ford Escape in on one. There are no problems with the Escape I just had gotten to thinking about this too much. I don't like the new body style and I think that the fenders on the older Tacoma will lend themselves to larger tires with less lift. So....... if y'all were going to buy a used Tacoma up to a 2003 model what would you be looking for and why? What do y'all think? Which one would lend itself to a Chevy v-8 swap the easiest? What options should I be looking for?

LT.

 

[Toad]

What about a mid nineties Ranger. Cheap. Nice round fenders for shoving tires. I dont know how crazy you want to get but swap a dana 30 into the front run 35" tires. If you want to go bigger even better. Lock it front and rear. If you did it right I bet you could be into for 6k or so. You wouldnt have to worry about trashing it as much as a newer truck. Just my 2 cents

 

[Coco]

^i really wish ford would have made a true 4 door ranger. I bet they would have been a popular truck for offroad too.

 

[Toad]

Come on what about the sporttrac

 

[Kiel]

Get the TRD and the v6 with 4 doors

 

[Corban_White]

Just an FYI, the older body style Tacoma went thru 2004. I went from an 8 foot bed to a 5 foot bed and the advantages FAR outweigh the disadvantages. Keep the tie downs handy and it all still fits.