Looking at trucks: 2nd Gen Rams & Old Toyotas

[DatUtahGuy]

Well, just thought I'd mention that I'm looking at other trucks as well: namely the Toyotas. I know they're definately a whole different kind of truck, I've just grouped the two toghether as I prefer them over the Chevy/GMCs & Fords. I also MUCH prefer their designs. I feel like there are too many of those at my school, or in my area. I kinda like the old Cherokees as well. To Kamil, I don't know what it is about the Dakotas, they never really appealed to me. I love the design of the 2nd gen Rams. The newer ones look really cool too.
So instead of narrowing it, I guess It's come down to these:
-Dodge Ram 2nd gen 4x4
-Toyota 4-runner 4x4 (1st and 2nd gen) - my first choice would be the 2-dr, but those are extremely rare, as you probably all know... :D
-Toyota FJ60/2 (If I can find a decent one for less than they usually go for) For example, here's one that I've found.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2202254246.html

Another thing to clarify - I'm not really looking for a major tower, just an all-around solid utility vehicle, that I could have some fun with now and then.

I have an 87 4runner(2 door) that has never failed me. Picked it up for $500 and its a blast. I ran it with almost no oil since I never bothered to check for the first 2 months. It also does amazingly off roading for having stock 235 street tires

[imdashiz]

Are the underpinnings of the yota pickups and 4runners the same throughout the generations?
haha, I figured that a title change would be useful. My first time using it

i still havent figured out how to use it

[freeride53]

Are the underpinnings of the yota pickups and 4runners the same throughout the generations?
haha, I figured that a title change would be useful. My first time using it

[Farbin Kaiber]

With title change, my statement changes.

late80's - early 90's sr5.

[expressfish]

If

[freeride53]

I love my 2001 tacoma. such a beast everywhere

Haha. When I was in the 5th grade, our class toured the NUMMI plant in Fremont. Those look solid as well, but I'm curious to see how they compare to their predecessors. Also, they're probably out of my price range.

[imdashiz]

I love my 2001 tacoma. such a beast everywhere

[freeride53]

Well, just thought I'd mention that I'm looking at other trucks as well: namely the Toyotas. I know they're definately a whole different kind of truck, I've just grouped the two toghether as I prefer them over the Chevy/GMCs & Fords. I also MUCH prefer their designs. I feel like there are too many of those at my school, or in my area. I kinda like the old Cherokees as well. To Kamil, I don't know what it is about the Dakotas, they never really appealed to me. I love the design of the 2nd gen Rams. The newer ones look really cool too.
So instead of narrowing it, I guess It's come down to these:
-Dodge Ram 2nd gen 4x4
-Toyota 4-runner 4x4 (1st and 2nd gen) - my first choice would be the 2-dr, but those are extremely rare, as you probably all know... :D
-Toyota FJ60/2 (If I can find a decent one for less than they usually go for) For example, here's one that I've found.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2202254246.html

Another thing to clarify - I'm not really looking for a major tower, just an all-around solid utility vehicle, that I could have some fun with now and then.

[quickervicar]

As much as it pains me to say this, you don't need a diesel. A V8 will get you to the mountains just fine.

Things to watch:

-aforementioned rust
-front suspension bushings
-ABS module (they go wonky & the truck can dive to one side or another under heavy braking)
-check that the transfer case shift linkage isn't seized
-rear diff input shaft seals can leak

Dodge did their homework on this truck & the interiors have some really nice features. They were far ahead of the competition when they came out. (this is coming from someone who swore he'd never consider a Chrysler product)

[Predzy743]

Predzy, that looks great! 4wd or 2wd? Does Sport pkg mean anything?

Thank you! And yes thats what the sport package was, it was the 4x4 painted bumpers etc etc. and came with a small lift from the factory. I will post more pictures for you.











This truck has the small V8 in it, and simply just has a dual exhaust from Flomaster, nothing else with a 5Speed and I think has plently of power. The automatic 318's arent bad either just a little sluggish. Gearing counts with these trucks.

I used to plow with it also, worked very well. I can push up to 10" of snow without a problem. if I can get traction (hence why I have the winter wheels on) lol.




I hope you find what Your looking for! I also have 2 more of these trucks. Ones a 2000 dodge ram 1500 5.2 Auto, and the other is a 1997 dodge ram 2500 5.9 Auto. If you need any info, I can help you out..

[expressfish]

while 12v is the hot rod diesel power plant of choice, He has no need for that kinda power and maintenance expense over a gasser.


( I dd a diesel, and have not owned a gas truck in a long time) Maintenance is fucking way more on diesel than on a gas truck, fuel quality is a much bigger concern,

If hes worried about buying one on the cheep, then diesel is not the way to go, 40 dollar fuel filter every 6k miles, Oil filters are about 25 and capacity is about 3 gallons of oil, Fuel additive to put lubricity back in the fuel to not kill all the fuel system parts. anything wih diesel is expensive

are fuel and oil filters that much for a 12v ? everything for my 24v is 1/4 of that cost. I change my oil every 6 months, cost me about 60$ for everything including fuel filter.

[trackjunkie21]

Why not a Dodge Dakota? you can get a v8 in that.

[dirty30]

If you're not towing and just want a beater truck to handle the dirty stuff pick up a cheap ranger/ f150 or something. They are everywhere (especially rangers) and extremely inexpensive. I'm not biased as far as american vehicles go I've just always had better luck with Ford trucks. My CTD 12v Ram was fun until something broke. All the Rams have death wobble, headlight switches/ harness melting, rear window leaks, 3rd brake light leaks, floor and door rust etc etc.

[Ian F]

while 12v is the hot rod diesel power plant of choice, He has no need for that kinda power and maintenance expense over a gasser.


( I dd a diesel, and have not owned a gas truck in a long time) Maintenance is fucking way more on diesel than on a gas truck, fuel quality is a much bigger concern,

If hes worried about buying one on the cheep, then diesel is not the way to go, 40 dollar fuel filter every 6k miles, Oil filters are about 25 and capacity is about 3 gallons of oil, Fuel additive to put lubricity back in the fuel to not kill all the fuel system parts. anything with diesel is expensive

Agree 100%.

I own a '95 12V 4x4, 5 spd club cab. Worst purchase decision I've ever made. I daily drive a '03 TDI.

Yep... they rust like hell. The front suspension and steering design is shit. The front wheel bearings are shit. Axle disconnect 4WD fucking SUCKS.

Do NOT buy the 5 spd. The 5 spd Dodge put behind the Cummins is just as shitty as the automatics are. Except the automatics are much cheaper/easier to upgrade. The only 'upgrade' for the 5 spd is to swap in a new 6 spd, which is only a marginal upgrade and not cheap. Automatics are also more common, so you're more likely to find a nicer example. Of course, I find this out after passing over a number of nice automatic trucks to buy the fucking POS 5 spd truck I have.

Like I said... worst purchase I've ever made...

[Frog]

You'll end up paying the difference in cost of a gas and a diesel in, well, gas. And maintenance, because diesels are undoubtedly more reliable and last way longer. Diesel or nothing IMO. Well worth the extra moneys.