so i want to build a rig to go to the dunes with on the weekends and drive 300 miles a week to school and back. the question is, what would be the best wheelbase range i should look for?

What kind of truck are you going to build? Thats a REALLY open ended question.

im thinkin a 80-96 ford f-150 on 33-35's or a 83-97 ranger on 33's

126"

I dont know about dunes in oregon but dunes over here are quite steep & LONG wb are more likely to hang on top of dunes, the best WB was found to be between 100 Jeep XJ & 110 Defender.

I like the longer wheelbase of my 84 first gen Toyota X-Cab not sure on the exact wb but i believe its around 112"' better than my first gen 4 Runners which I believe is around 103". When the dunes get to steep to successfully climb and you need to back down the longer wheelbase is much easier to back down as the short wheelbase 4 Runner tends to lift or float the front tires a bunch more making braking/steering back down the dune much more sketchy. The longer wheelbase can get u hung up easier but if you keep your speed up you can crest over and drag over most razorbacks without issue (make sure you know what is on the otherside or that you can make it out of the bowl on the otherside lol!). For climbing longer is always better!

Jason :)

I've driven 103, 112, 115, and 126" wheelbase truck in the dunes and my old toyota and new one handled the best with 112 and 115. for the desert, straight line 126 handles the best IMO>