Advice needed on what truck to build.

[hawkeye]

I have two trucks I can choose between for my first hardcore tail rig build. I have a 91 Toy pickup with the v-6, IFS, 4x4, good condition.
Or I can choose to build a 75 Chevy short bed, full time 4x4, witch is in poor condition.

I am leaning to the 75 becouse it already has solid axles, and I don't have to worry about the messing up the body. I would love to make a Toy trail truck but I think the 91 will be a lot more work = more money. and also the 91 Toyota is a lot better to drive on the road. I will have to keep one of these as a second car.
I love LCs as much as anyone but I cant afford to drop a bunch of $ at this time, so I am forced to pick between one of these trucks that are sitting in my driveway. Some day I will build my 80 into a hardcore trail truck but that is a ways down the road.

Please let me know what you think

Thanks

 

[Wile E Coyote]

My $0.02 is that 'hardcore' and that small bearing equipped D-44 front axle in that Chebby don't jive. ( Mostly due to the narrow wheel bearing spacing mixing with big rubber) Neither does that full-time TC. Of course, mate the front half of that np 203 to a readied 208 with an ORD doubler, and then you'd have a crawler. Also, the job of swapping in a D-60 front in that Chebby should be easier than grafting a new SFA into the Toy.
Should I assume there's a 10 bolt bringing up the rear in the Chebby? And that it's also carbed?

I'm voting on the Toy, or selling the 75 ( as you know the year makes it desirable d/t smog regs) for another domestic 4x4 with a stronger stock drivetrain.