Thinking about a mini truck build

[Tennessee80]

I have now sent examples of 3 totally different rigs. this one is the most built and has a 4.3 vortec. It's got mega crawler gears, ARB lockers, and bobbed bed (I would try and find a long bed to replace this possibly?)

I read another thread on the blue 1980 that had a 4.3 and they really liked that motor.

cheers

 

[gnob]

i frankly recommended you decide what you actually want/need and grab whichever is closest to that.
that parts hunt brings the suck these days.

i personally like the 79-83 body/frame best. 84-88/9 then everything else.
not having a real rain gutter is a deal kilker for me. even with the window cover things, it was stupid.

if i were to start again, for a dedicated wheeler type rig, the 84-88 xtra cab is the one. little bigger cab and pretty ideal wheelbase.
if that one you show is not a hackfest, it might be cool.
longbed won't fit. 4wd xtra was only shortbed.

 

[toy_tek]

FWIW In the early 90s I knew a guy w a fleet of Astrovans w the 4.3, quite dependable for its day and a handful of those had over 300k. Basically just a bobbed Chevy 350. If the swap is done well it’ll probably serve just fine.

 

[Manhattan]

I thought I wanted a pre-84 (we all agree they're the best looking) even while I was restoring/building my '84 Xtra Cab. About a year into the build, I was sitting in truck truck and realized, if I were in a regular cab, my seat would be in the bed. I'm only 6'0". Okay sure, I have long legs. But 6'0".

Look at the Xtra Cab window - you can see where my seat is.

 

[Tennessee80]

As for the 4.3 swapped xtra cab, I would love to put a camper on that baby and build it out for exploring (if I got something like that).

I'm waiting for height from seller, but with the 37's it looks tall, but no real frame of reference until I can get measurements.

 

[pappy]

Agree w Pappy tho - plan for a later powerplant for a whole bunch of reasons. Mine has a 3rz sitting in it.

After 36 years of having a 22re push me around I also did the 3RZ transplant in my 4R. Not looking back. The 22re was a great engine, but it required a lot of patience. The 3rz keeps up with traffic. Of course, the supercharger helps.

 

[aztoyman]

I think you would have an easier decision if you sit in and drive them all. Looks and upgrades can catch your attention but those won't matter if you can't stand to drive it.

My dream car "was" a hot rod 32 Ford 3 window coupe. Until I got to actually sit in a few at the car shows. That dream was definitely shattered.

 

[aztoyman]

You could put a non bobbed original size bed back on the Xtra Cab.

 

[Tennessee80]

back at the ranch, more pics of the sun baked goodness of the '79.

I hate wiring, but the body on this truck makes it worth it....

Winter project!

 

[aztoyman]

Hard to turn THAT down just because of what it is. Doesn't meet your original criteria but, so what I guess. It's an affliction.

 

[Tennessee80]

Hard to turn THAT down just because of what it is. Doesn't meet your original criteria but, so what I guess. It's an affliction.

I'll be crammed in that rig like a sardine, but my legs were born to bend.

LOL

 

[Tennessee80]

So the '79 sold (fast), and I'm in TN.

Found a well built 1985 standard cab, short bed, set up nicely for next level wheeling/heavy overland. I could put a camper on it and build out a sleeping platform and boom.

Has a healthy 22R as well.

Opinions?

 

[ferg]

Ok, personal ref here. 4.3TBI/R151, marlin duals, ARBs in an '80 short bed frame with a '85Xcab body/bed. The bed is trimmed 11.5 inches from the front of the bed so the wheel wells line up with rear axle.

33s in this pic but has been on 35s for15 years.
A W56 will hold up to a stock 4.3 if you don't constantly smash the skinny pedal. Rubicon, Sierra Trek, TDS, Hi Desert, Molina, etc.

 

[aztoyman]

I like it. Did the body mounts line up at all?

 

[Tennessee80]

Ok, personal ref here. 4.3TBI/R151, marlin duals, ARBs in an '80 short bed frame with a '85Xcab body/bed. The bed is trimmed 11.5 inches from the front of the bed so the wheel wells line up with rear axle.View attachment 3693070
33s in this pic but has been on 35s for15 years.
A W56 will hold up to a stock 4.3 if you don't constantly smash the skinny pedal. Rubicon, Sierra Trek, TDS, Hi Desert, Molina, etc.

4.3 has been reliable?

 

[Tennessee80]

A couple of the rigs I have found lately are built nicely, but the beds have been bobbed 10-13 inches and frame shortened in rear. I would either put another short bed back on those or if I kept it, I would have to run a roof top tent for camping since last time I checked I'm taller than 5 foot, so I can't sleep in the back.

Sorry for all of the posts as I think through this process.

cheers

 

[Nad Aitch]

I'm in the wrong forum, but to be a contrarian,. I'd just get an 80 and put a sleeper platform in it if you're planning to put a camper shell on it anyways.

The 80 market is pretty low right now and part support is a total non-issue.

I thought about buying a mini to save my 80 from windrock abuse, but buying a second 80 would've been cheaper and easier.

But the heart wants what it wants. Good luck

 

[Tennessee80]

I'm in the wrong forum, but to be a contrarian,. I'd just get an 80 and put a sleeper platform in it if you're planning to put a camper shell on it anyways.

The 80 market is pretty low right now and part support is a total non-issue.

I thought about buying a mini to save my 80 from windrock abuse, but buying a second 80 would've been cheaper and easier.

But the heart wants what it wants. Good luck

My signature line is clean (only shows my 200 series), but I have owned a lot of cruisers, including 2 80 series, in the past. I'm just starting to look to change it up a bit, and could also use a truck around the house for utility work. The 80 is an amazing platform, I'm just drawn to square body stuff, and my last 6 years of multiple 60 series rigs is the evidence... LOL

Good thought though!

 

[Nad Aitch]

My signature line is clean (only shows my 200 series), but I have owned a lot of cruisers, including 2 80 series, in the past. I'm just starting to look to change it up a bit, and could also use a truck around the house for utility work. The 80 is an amazing platform, I'm just drawn to square body stuff, and my last 6 years of multiple 60 series rigs is the evidence... LOL

Good thought though!

I get that - life's too short not to try em all

Love many (yotas/rifles/guitars), one woman, that's my motto

You gave me some 80 series advice years ago and I've been meaning to circle back. Ping me if you ever want to grab a beer in Lebanon

 

[ferg]

Front cab body mounts did not align. I had to swap the left and right sides and that worked, rear cab mounts were good. Core support mounts were cut off and replaced with 2nd gen mounts. Bed mounts were about 1 1/2" off. Fixed that with angle cutting square tubing spacers. Over all body was raised about 1 1/2" for air cleaner clearance. Frame was not shortened.

Yes 4.3 has been solid. Fuel plumbing was fun. As 4.3 came from a T10(4wd S10) oil pan and pick up had to changed. I used NWOR motor mounts, they either fit the engine or the frame but not both at the same time. That was a PITA. Radiator was from a first gen Toyota diesel initially, when that crapped out went with a Toy V6 rad.