I miss having a truck...

[TRNDRVR]

Here's a decent example of what I'm thinking.

You need one of these Greg.

 

[Greg]

You need one of these Greg.

If only... Even without the camper, I'd be more than happy with a 70-series Land Cruiser truck.

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

Here ya go Greg

Or maybe this one?

 

[TRNDRVR]

If only... Even without the camper, I'd be more than happy with a 70-series Land Cruiser truck.

I spotted those in downtown Anchorage back in '09'. I just had to take some pics. They were not from this country.

 

[Greg]

Here ya go Greg

Or maybe this one?

First one is a bit small for my 6' 4" frame... and the 2L diesel engine is sketchy on power & reliability, at best. 2nd one isn't bad, at least its an extended cab. The guy doesn't even know it's not a Tacoma though... And $10k...

I spotted those in downtown Anchorage back in '09'. I just had to take some pics. They were not from this country.

There was a tan one similar to your photo that was running around Utah & CO not long ago... looked like they were traveling around the world. Very cool trucks!

 

[Greg]

As far as building a midsize diesel, you know what I think would be neat?

A 4 door Dodge Dakota with a solid axle swap (Dana 44?) and a Cummins 4BT. But that's a ton of money and work. And if Dakota interiors are built anything like the Dodge Rams, then I'd probably not be too happy.

 

[Medsker]

You need to pick up one of those army blazers that have the 6.5. They have all the tow hooks in place and I think come with one ton running gear. I've seen a few blazers that they cut down and turned it into a shortbed truck. I think Boyce Equipment still sells them. They also sell the newer 6.2 engine for under a grand. Besides the flat green army paint is awesome!

Edit: I just looked at their website and they have a truck with a built in pto generator, welder and air compressor. It even has a table that folds down in back. No place to put your bikes though. They want $7500 for it. Front 60, rear 14 with detroit.

 

[Greg]

You need to pick up one of those army blazers that have the 6.5. They have all the tow hooks in place and I think come with one ton running gear. I've seen a few blazers that they cut down and turned it into a shortbed truck. I think Boyce Equipment still sells them. They also sell the newer 6.2 engine for under a grand. Besides the flat green army paint is awesome!

Edit: I just looked at their website and they have a truck with a built in pto generator, welder and air compressor. It even has a table that folds down in back. No place to put your bikes though. They want $7500 for it. Front 60, rear 14 with detroit.

I've long look at & considered an old GM military truck, but I just can't bring myself to buy one. I really need a truck with an extended cab at the least and I'm accustomed to a nice, cushy interior with things like power leather seats, etc. A stripped down military truck sounds cool, but I don't know that it would actually fit my needs. But it is something to consider.

You can get them at military auctions for much less than what Boyce wants. Seems like the going price is usually around $1500.

 

[Spork]

What about something like the first model Tundra (early 2000)? They were slightly smaller than a full size truck. It doesn't meet your Diesel criteria but I don't think you will find a smaller truck with a diesel that isn't 20+ years old.

 

[Greg]

What about something like the first model Tundra (early 2000)? They were slightly smaller than a full size truck. It doesn't meet your Diesel criteria but I don't think you will find a smaller truck with a diesel that isn't 20+ years old.

I have strongly considered a Tundra, one with a 4.7 would be quite nice. They do have a history of transmission problems though and that kind of spooks me away and they tend to go for a pretty high value.

I've even thought about a Toyota T100... swap in a Mercedes OM617 turbo diesel and do a solid axle swap. That would be a decent truck.

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

It all comes down to how much work you wanna do if there is some kinda swap involved. I used to drive an old 6.5 for a work truck years ago, it was always a good truck, got decent mileage. I have never owned a power stroke so no input there.

Sounds like you have already narrowed it down to the couple your considering anyway.

 

[Chevycrew]

I'm up to 5 sas swaps personally, and rear springs up front with a 78-79 60 is the way I would go. My trailblazer work great, and is leafs all around. But I need to get a little more arch out of the front springs.

Don't buy a kit... If you really want a kit, I can build one. I like using a heavywall front cross member with hitch and d-ring mounts, a hidden winch is an option too (my wifes truck). Toyota shock hoops are cheap and fit perfect, along with ford pitman arms... Swap the front yoke and xj 1310 cv driveshafts work, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Chevycrew]

But... You can get a factory ext cab short bed f250 powerstroke in the 92-97 bodystyle. Then just swap in a 60.

Here is an example:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=4409639

 

[Rot Box]

Greg, Again you should strongly consider the 85.5-95 F350's with the International IDI diesel especially where you have the 6.5TD on your list. I'm not trying to pimp my truck or anything, but I was FAR from a Ford fan until I bought mine and I only went that route at the time because A. I cant afford a 03 and newer 4 door Dodge. B: I will never suffer through the 6.5TD hell again. C: They are mechanically injected! (whats not to love?!)

What you get with an IDI F350 is a very reliable, simple to work on/troubleshoot/repair mechanical diesel engine, non-unit bearing (and kingpins 91 and older ) D60 front, bullet proof T-19 4 speed or stout ZF5, or C6 trans (the 4 speed auto's can be troublesome and expensive) 16+ mpg unloaded. Also because Ford outsold Dodge and GM combined you can easily find used parts everywhere for the motor and body.

If you come up for a bike ride I'll have to let you take my 91 for a scoot and see what you think. Like I said before I NEVER thought I'd buy an old Ford, but now at this point in time I don't think there is a better truck out there--well for me anyway. The simplicity alone is very comforting when I'm a million miles away from anything

Nothing spectacular by any means, but here is my pickup: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/38047-My-crew-cab-IDI-Alaskan-Camper-build?highlight=

 

[Greg]

It all comes down to how much work you wanna do if there is some kinda swap involved. I used to drive an old 6.5 for a work truck years ago, it was always a good truck, got decent mileage. I have never owned a power stroke so no input there.

Sounds like you have already narrowed it down to the couple your considering anyway.

Bingo, nail... head. I'd rather something like this not become a huge project, but there just aren't any decent options out there for a mid-size diesel truck.

I'm up to 5 sas swaps personally, and rear springs up front with a 78-79 60 is the way I would go. My trailblazer work great, and is leafs all around. But I need to get a little more arch out of the front springs.

Don't buy a kit... If you really want a kit, I can build one. I like using a heavywall front cross member with hitch and d-ring mounts, a hidden winch is an option too (my wifes truck). Toyota shock hoops are cheap and fit perfect, along with ford pitman arms... Swap the front yoke and xj 1310 cv driveshafts work, etc, etc, etc.

OK, so you're the guy to come to when the time is ready! I'll keep you in mind Steve, thanks for the information.

But... You can get a factory ext cab short bed f250 powerstroke in the 92-97 bodystyle. Then just swap in a 60.

Here is an example:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=4409639

Yep, just like the red one in my 2nd post. I think that would be a decent way to get what I want, without too much work.

Greg, Again you should strongly consider the 85.5-95 F350's with the International IDI diesel especially where you have the 6.5TD on your list. I'm not trying to pimp my truck or anything, but I was FAR from a Ford fan until I bought mine and I only went that route at the time because A. I cant afford a 03 and newer 4 door Dodge. B: I will never suffer through the 6.5TD hell again. C: They are mechanically injected! (whats not to love?!)

What you get with an IDI F350 is a very reliable, simple to work on/troubleshoot/repair mechanical diesel engine, non-unit bearing (and kingpins 91 and older ) D60 front, bullet proof T-19 4 speed or stout ZF5, or C6 trans (the 4 speed auto's can be troublesome and expensive) 16+ mpg unloaded. Also because Ford outsold Dodge and GM combined you can easily find used parts everywhere for the motor and body.

If you come up for a bike ride I'll have to let you take my 91 for a scoot and see what you think. Like I said before I NEVER thought I'd buy an old Ford, but now at this point in time I don't think there is a better truck out there--well for me anyway. The simplicity alone is very comforting when I'm a million miles away from anything

Nothing spectacular by any means, but here is my pickup: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/38047-My-crew-cab-IDI-Alaskan-Camper-build?highlight=

Andrew... I was waiting for you to chime in. I've been looking at the IDI trucks as well, but they're so HUGE and you need a city block to turn one around! I do like the inexpensive part though. I'll keep looking at the IDI's and see if I can find anything I like.

 

[Chevycrew]

Yep, dang work computer not showing me pictures...

 

[I Lean]

Somebody needs to photoshop an FJ80 chopped behind the rear doors, with a bed installed. :greg: Add 4bt, be awesome. (but cost way more than just buying a truck)

I still like my Superduty, BTW. It does not turn at all though.

 

[Hickey]

I had a red 97 powerstroke just like the one you posted. I liked the cab a lot. I swapped in a D60. If you go that route, swap the front leafs for later model Super duty fronts. They are about 4" longer and give a much better ride. I had the 5 speed manual and would get the auto if I did it again.

That being said, all of your given choices are heavy pigs offroad, and all need suspension/swap work on the front end. Ruling out the CTD is an error, considering these points.

I think you should trade your wifes 4runner for a Tundra and keep the FZJ.

 

[pELYgroso]

I have a '95 w/ the 7.3 psd crew cab, long bed, 5 spd, 230k on the clock and running strong! It's never been chipped or anything, and that's how I like it. It's exactly the truck I was looking for and I wouldn't trade it for anything! having said that, I think it sounds like the F250s w/ the 7.3psd w/ a D60 swapped in would be perfect for you! I get 16-17 mpgs average unless it's really hot outside....for some reason I get 18 or 19 mpg's if it's over 90 degrees outside consistently. weird. and that's mixed city/highway/towing!

 

[Greg]

Yep, dang work computer not showing me pictures...

Somebody needs to photoshop an FJ80 chopped behind the rear doors, with a bed installed. :greg: Add 4bt, be awesome. (but cost way more than just buying a truck)

I still like my Superduty, BTW. It does not turn at all though.

Not quite the same, but similar idea... not photochopped. -

I wish there was such thing as an FZJ-based pickup, extended cab with a 6' bed... that's be bad ass.

Fords do suck at turning, don't they? Thanks for the reminder Carl.

I had a red 97 powerstroke just like the one you posted. I liked the cab a lot. I swapped in a D60. If you go that route, swap the front leafs for later model Super duty fronts. They are about 4" longer and give a much better ride. I had the 5 speed manual and would get the auto if I did it again.

That being said, all of your given choices are heavy pigs offroad, and all need suspension/swap work on the front end. Ruling out the CTD is an error, considering these points.

I think you should trade your wifes 4runner for a Tundra and keep the FZJ.

After our last diesel Dodge, I don't know that I could own another one. It was that bad and every time I think about one, all I can see are the glaring downfalls and remember how much money that POS '03 cost me.

My wife's 4Runner isn't going anywhere... she loves it way too much. I love the FZJ and it's been very fun driving it places that a rig like that shouldn't go, but I kind of feel like I'm ready to move on. Honestly, I haven't come to a decision any which way, I think I'll just hang onto the FZJ in the mean time and use it.

I have a '95 w/ the 7.3 psd crew cab, long bed, 5 spd, 230k on the clock and running strong! It's never been chipped or anything, and that's how I like it. It's exactly the truck I was looking for and I wouldn't trade it for anything! having said that, I think it sounds like the F250s w/ the 7.3psd w/ a D60 swapped in would be perfect for you! I get 16-17 mpgs average unless it's really hot outside....for some reason I get 18 or 19 mpg's if it's over 90 degrees outside consistently. weird. and that's mixed city/highway/towing!

Good to know, thanks Tyler!