I miss having a truck...

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
I don't want to be the downer here, but I think you should stick with a stock engine setup no matter how cool it is. The last thing you probably need or want is an older project truck that needs to be reliable, but can't get parts for at the autozone when you have to becaue its part bread truck part newer truck and part older truck with custom wiring left and right. Besides its more fun to be using the truck then to be building it. And you won't get your money out of the truck when you DO SELL IT. Your wife will thank you too.

Fully agree with you Kiel, I came to that realization some time ago and is much of the reason for purchasing the FZJ. It's all factory and dead reliable.

I do like the fact that the 4BT is super simple as far as getting and keeping it running, but I do totally agree with you... project vehicles will almost always remain projects. I need something that will be reliable for long trips to remote places, not a vehicle that will require constant attention.

You're growing wise in your old age... ;) And like I said earlier, I'm not committing to anything at this point. I know what I would like to have, but it's not offered in the US. :(
 

Chevycrew

Well-Known Member
Location
WVC, UT
Just sliding the rear window forward on the fzj to behind the rear seat and turning the back into a bed with tailgate.

But that wouldnt get you what you are after.

You just seem so happy with it, it would almost be worth making it into what you want.
 

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Just sliding the rear window forward on the fzj to behind the rear seat and turning the back into a bed with tailgate.

But that wouldnt get you what you are after.

You just seem so happy with it, it would almost be worth making it into what you want.

Ahhh, gotcha. I wouldn't cut the FZJ up, it's far to clean & worth way too much. :D
 

SLC97SR5

IDIesel
Location
Davis County
Greg, here is another vote for a 94 F250 IDI. I DD my F350 CC LB. It is comfortable and super reliable. The IDI's burn nearly any fuel you can cram down the nozzle. I think a CCSB would be sweet with a ZF5.
 

Fester

Active Member
I had this Dakota with a Ford D44, radius arms, 37's, etc. like you mentioned. I forget the guys name that built it.....worked at 4WP at one time or another. This truck was comfortable and rode almost as good as stock on road, and better on gravel roads (probably needed a sway bar, but it wasn't bad). If I'd have kept it I would have taken the 3" body lift off, trimmed, etc. but I bought a Taco instead.
 

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anzenketh

Member
Location
Orem, Utah
Out driving on the street I saw a Chevy(I think it was a Chevy at least) that had less width then my WJ it look liked a compact pickup. Wish I could remember the model.
 

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
It seems you would be most happy with a 97 powerstroke. The IdI's get better mileage but don't pull very well IMO. I had a friend tow my CJ5 to Moab once and was astonished at how much that little Jeep dragged his truck down. He has a 1994 F250 ext cab longed with an ATS turbo kit and it would only pull soldier summit at 45. It was a real clean truck though. Id get a 97 f350 crew and put a flat bed on it. The 97 has a different cps which is less than $30 to replace. It also has a bit more horsepower. The short bed trucks are 18" shorter in wheelbase and it is all taken out of the front of the bed, so both long and short beds have the same departure angle. I'd build a 7' flatbed to improve the departure. You can't beat the versatility and usability of a flatbed.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
chevycrew, didn't you say your buddy had a colorado with a 4.3 in it? Would that handle towing duties?

Greg, are you set on a solid front axle? Would it be more for strength or for articulation?

And how set are you on a diesel? I'd think you could find a gasser that'd be cheaper overall to operate than a diesel (including MPG). Don't get me wrong, the idea of a diesel mid-size truck is killer. But I think a gasser could fit the bill quite nicely.
 

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
Guess I touched a nerve there eh? Im surprised you remember that thread.

There are tons of flatbed trucks running around that are totally hideous. Most examples are too wide or too square cut for the truck they are mounted on. That being said, I occasionally see examples that look just right.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
Greg, I found the solution for ya.

7.3L E350 on 37s. Ford D60 sas, 4" U-joint offroad lift, and fender trimming. You can fit your bikes in the back, sleep in the back, tow with it, and still get 20 MPG.



This van belongs to Chris, the owner of Ujoint offroad. 6.0 diesel, 6" lift, 38s, sterling rear end, arb's

[YOUTUBE-HD]L67tKs4Qj_Y&start=180[/YOUTUBE-HD]


Here's one I photoshopped back when I was thinking about a diesel van:

bigblue.jpg
 
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