Anybody want to vote on what they think is the best CHEAP rig to start out with to build into a rock crawler? I want a small beater with a short wheelbase and low cost, and I wanted to see what people's opinions are.

Sad to say, but get a Toy p/u

KIA has to be the best build rig out there

:D :rolleyes: :D

For a daily driver get a cruiser. They suck off road....

KIA has to be the best build rig out there
Damn, you guys are never gonna let me live that down are ya... :flipoff2:

I have to agree its got to be a toy p/u:usa:

I'd say a solid axle toyota, or a sami.

Any specific models of little Toyotas? Also, thing that bugs me about samurais is that it's a very small engine, I guess that's OK though with a different t-case right?

Oh also anyone who can show me their pics of small modded rigs like little Toys or Samis with lots of lift?

85 toyota pickup longbed extended cab. Fuelinjected and still straight axle.... Great starter actually. From there any one before it...

get a jeep for a starter rig. they are plentifull, relatively cheap, and have a LARGE ammount of aftermarket bolt on parts for starters. otherwise look at non-ifs toys (1985 or previous) for a decent rig.

if you want to go custom on it all just stick with the kia (bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha :laughing: ) and hang around hee...NOT POSTING ANYTHING just reading each and every post that goes on any board.

a toyota all the way

I'd say either an 85 EFI 4runner or if you want to do a solid axle swap get an 86-89. They look the same as the 85. But I'm bias as well. :rolleyes:

Yep - toyota. Get an '85 or older.

Toyota truck man. Damn things are breeding like little bunny rabbits out there. Hell even IFS can built somewhat (Nothing like a solid axle but still it will get you there most of the time)

:D:D:D

That's what I want now. A 4runner. Anyone wanna trade for my cruiser?? :D:D:D

Glo, Your sig pic is the bumper sticker that I have on My cruiser!

Sheesh.....


:D

Originally posted by Nukeiridium
Any specific models of little Toyotas? Also, thing that bugs me about samurais is that it's a very small engine, I guess that's OK though with a different t-case right?

85's are probably best, because they still had the solid axle, but were also available with fuel injection.

You have a few choices thought.

you have the standard cab shortbed pickup(shortest wheelbase, least interior room)

Standard cab long bed (longer wheelbase)

Extracab (same wheelbase as the longbed, but whith more interoir room)

The 4runnner (not sure on the wheelbase, but it's the SUV)

My personal preferance would be a shortbed, standard cab, w/ EFI. I also love the old 4 runners.

I still kick myself for not getting an EFI rig.

I'd keep the KIA, use it as a daily driver while you build your rig. if you do your own work, and have the time to learn as you go, you can build a reliable trail worthy rig cheaper than you'd think.

once you get the truck, put a locker in the rear, some wrangler springs on the front, chevy springs in the rear, lower gears, and pick up a cheap set of 33"-35" tires, and hit the trail!

Then get yourself a big bumper sticker that says "my other rig is a KIA" :D

Originally posted by bmaresh

Then get yourself a big bumper sticker that says "my other rig is a KIA" :D

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

Originally posted by Nukeiridium
Oh also anyone who can show me their pics of small modded rigs like little Toys or Samis with lots of lift?

Here's a pic of mine with YJ springs and a spring over. I'm running 31x10.5's with about 9 to 10 inches of lift.
http://members.home.net/rokzuki/pics/20011007-4.jpg

http://members.home.net/rokzuki/pics/spoa2.jpg

'85 Toyota shortbed, 22RE (EFI), 5spd, power disc brakes. Start with that and build it! Add some lockers, a crawl box, some lift and tires and Get It!