Decisions Decisions Decisions

[Kenny245]

Thanks for all the help and tips about what to do and not to do regarding modifications.

There does seem to be an overwhelming response to smaller is better then large when it comes to truck size. Jeeps and smaller very popular here in the Ottawa area. Larger the better in many areas of the States. Is this due to the type of trails we have compared with Colorado for example.

What are the advantages with a Jeep vs. Full size PU. I can see many more parts for the Jeeps but no savings as far...

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[Louis]

In my opinion a full size pickup is not a good choice for wheeling in ontario, it is too big and damage will occur when you try to keep up with the smaller rigs on the trail. If you don't mine flogging your truck though it will work.

I suggest hopping a ride with someone and go for a trail ride - then you will see if your truck will be suited for it.

Just my opinion.

 

[Root Moose]

A lot of it depends on what exactly your wheeling expectation are, or more importantly, what they will become.

A FS truck will have the body panels beat off it in short order if you are going to be doing all the wheeling that is available in this area. Also keep in mind that FS trucks were not really designed to be used for what we call wheeling.

In some respects, you are now in a good situation to pick your new platform. You have a blank canvas to work with. For around here, anything much larger than a Jeep [Grand] Cherokee or the equivalent in other manufacturers is getting a bit big. I figure once more new Jeep Wranglers get on the trails the trails will be getting a bit wider though.

Any SWB type vehicle will be fine (Jeep, TLC, Toy, Suzuki, whatever). In order of cost to build the Suzukis are probably the cheapest, but then are other issues to deal with. Jeeps have all around good support and are more civilized if you go with a modern one. TLCs are built like tanks from the get go. Don't forget the Toyota mini-truck stuff either.

You can spend as much or as little building up any platform. Depends on the end goal. Define how you want to use the machine before picking a platform. Also do a little searching here. There was a discussion on this not too long ago that may have some pointers as well.

 

[Louis]

Landcruiser BJ74's (short wheel base turbo diesel) have really come down in price11-14K, many of them have PTO winches and cable lockers right from the factory, they are right hand drive but that is easy to get used to - my wife did. I always lean to cruisers, but the other options discussed earlier are great too. I find that if you start with a base truck you always end up spending tons to get it where you want it - try to buy something that has atleast some of what you want on it.

Louis

 

[Dirk]

x2 for hitching a ride in different rigs.
I know there will be one fullsized Truck there for sure...ask Steve to ride along, in a tight section.

Also in total agreement that for our local trails, most trails really, narrower trucks are better suited. If you were runnig straight mud, like Florida or Louisiana, etc... a FS would be a good choice.

If you are brand loyal to Dodge, Dakotas are much smaller. Or of course a :heep:

 

[aweber]

What kind of person are you? Do you want to do mainly bolt-on mods or can you/willing to learn how to fab stuff yourself? Do you have your own basic Fab tools? Welder, Torches, Drill Press, ect?

If you are the Bolt-on type, get a heep.

If you are the FAB stuff yourself type, a toy or sami.

Next is vehicle preference. Do you want open-top wheeling? - Get a Heep or FJ40.

Do you want a bed/box in the back? Get a toy

Do you want to seat 5? - A 4runner/4dr JK/Scout/FJ80/etc.

Then there is budget.

5K or less? Get a Sami or Toy

More? Still get a Sami or Toy But I guess you could get a Heep :flipoff: or import a Land Cruiser or G-Wagon. :smokin:

 

[Root Moose]

Another thing is consider whether you want this vehicle to be a plaything or capable of being used as a real gas-n-go anywhere truck.

 

[JeepJen]

I'd say come out Saturday to the Quinn and ride shot gun withas many trucks as you can. There will be a large assortment there and you will see what works and can aske the owners what sort of budget they had. I think you can get a well build trail tested Zuk for around 5k. Or a base TJ that will need mods for around the same.

The Quinn? Saturday?

 

[JeepJen]

That's cool. Thanks for the official answer on this. I totally understand. If only I didn't space out and miss the last meeting I might actually be an official member