What trucks you like best?

HermitJohn · #41 05/07/04, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

If you have internet access and UPS can get to your place, you have car parts. A place called expressautoparts.com will have them to you in short order if its not something really rare. Even a cam for ancient Volvo engine only took couple weeks and it was on backorder. Autozone.com and Napaonline.com also will ups you parts. Just check around for best price.

I know people said Chevy 350's greatly improved in '80s, but that dud I owned ('73 pickup) was enough for me. Gashog, oil eater/leaker and overall POS. On other hand the gasoline Olds 350 engine was a great and durable engine. In an engine hall of fame it deserves a place up beside Chrysler slant six, Ford 300, and old Volvo B engines. Not all small block chevies were as bad. 307 version from late 60's and early 70's was fairly decent engine. Even lasted good because of higher nickel content in castings. Most small block Chevies had low nickel content and wore fast. I used to have a book on how to find by number the highest nickle content Chevy small block castings to use for rebuilding purposes. I've taken heads off old 283s, and they always had cylinder ridges you wouldnt believe. 305s & 350's also. As I said supposedly they improved in '80s when small block chevy took over for discontinued Buick and Pontiac V8s, but I gave them a wide berth and never took any apart to see about improvements in durability. Worked on some but would never own one. By way the old 292 Chevy straight six was good although not as good as Dodge slant six or Ford 300. Big block Chevies 366 to 454 were my favorite of Chevy engines. I preferred the Chevy big block over the Ford big block. 366 big blocks werent offered in pickup (used in medium trucks), but they make good pickup engines as does the Olds 350.

Oops, thats me, wasnt logged in.

EricG · #42 05/07/04, 11:00 AM

Had a 2wd little Toyota for a while. Very economical and dependable. Good for light hauling and running around but don't plan on hauling a bunch of sand or dirt or wood or other heavy stuff. Downside is the pedals are too close together for me with snow boots, I get the brake and gas together.... I had the 4cyl I think its the s22 motor or something like that. The 4x4 trucks often have v6 motors and they seem to use a lot more gas.

I have a 89 f150 4x4 with the 300 6. It's a good motor. The truck is getting old and is starting to have problems but the motor has not been an issue.

I like the old chevy 3/4 and 1 ton trucks for hard work. Strong and durable but not gas efficient for running around. Personally I stay away from the newer than 89-91 chevy's that went to the independant front end. Before 89 they had a solid front axle that seems to have less problems. Also haven't heard many good things said about the older Chevy diesels, though I've never had one yet so I can't say from experience. Chevy 350's are a dime a dozen so parts are available and rebuilds are relatively cheap.

Good luck in your search. With older trucks it all depends on the condition and maint. of the particular truck in question. I'd take a well maintained Ranger over a neglected Toyota.

Eric

punkrockpilot · #43 05/07/04, 05:40 PM

I have a 1995 cardinal red Ford f-150 xlt supercab 4x4, with 130,000+ miles, other than normal maintenance stuff it has only needed an oil pan gasket and new locking hubs. I like Chevy too tho and I must say that if you take care of it - it will take care of you. Lack of proper preventative maintenance is the main reason most vehicals bite the dust.

bergere · #44 05/07/04, 07:25 PM

What I plan to do,, is do a carfax check on what ever older Toyota I look at.. and the folks selling it have to be willing to take it to the closest AAA place to have it checked over. I will pay,, but want to make sure it has not been in a accident or have problems that can be easly seen. It is not perfect,, but will give me a little more piece of mind.

Am a maintaince fiend,, oil changes every 3 months or 3K miles, .. etc..etc...

Should tell you about my husbands Dodge Dart... was the first year they sold it.. boy, and how one time he pulled the steering wheel off after he parked and handed it to me.. oh, ya... was really impressed....it was one scary car.....

Another One of my husbands cars was a beat up used 1981 Toyota Starlett that rolled over once in mileage,, and was heading to another 100K.. my goodness,, you could not kill that thing.. it just kept running and running. A few thing need to be changed like a fuel line and such,, but it was very cheap. He quite driving it because he said he needed something newer..

Sooo.. he bought a 2000 Toyota Echo.. and so far, even with all his driving.. it has not given us any problems.

I had a Tundra until last Nov, when DH lost his job I had to sell it. Loved the Truck.. but because the way things are now.. doubt I could afford to get one again. But I do like how reliable they are. So will be looking for a Used older Toyota next month. Being a part gimpy reliable is very important.

Hence the queries about other trucks... for options.

Kenneth in NC · #45 05/08/04, 11:07 AM

Favorite Truck? DODGE Dakota we have owned 3 and all were good trucks. I had a Chevy S-10 and it did ok but couldn't pull like the Dakota.

A word on Fords: We have a Ford Explorer 4x4 it just turned 207,000 it uses oil and water but has been very reliable. The 4.0 V6 still has plenty of power.
I've had other Fords (Bronco, couple F150's,1973 2WD,) While some were good drivers none really impressed me enough to keep. Till the Explorer. I guess we drive it till it drops dead or someone offers me more than they should for it.

We have been test driving and looking for the next Truck addition But have not found one that were willing to shell out the bucks for.

big rockpile · #46 05/08/04, 12:21 PM

I have both Chevy and Ford like them both.But it does seem to me when a Chevy is Dead its Dead,Fords you can keep them going forever with Bailing Wire,Duck Tape and a Prayer.

big rockpile