Any Other Classic Off-Roaders Here?

[Gareth Edward]

Hey everyone,
I know CK5 is all about Blazers and Jimmys, but I’m curious—who here owns or has owned other classic off-roaders? I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage 4x4s, whether it's an old Bronco, Scout, Land Cruiser, or even a Power Wagon.


Right now, I’m running a [insert vehicle if you want] and love taking it on trails whenever I get the chance. Always interested in hearing about other rigs, their builds, and how they compare to the classic K5s.


Drop some pics and stories, let’s see what else is out there!

 

[Wes Harden]

We do have some in the Other rides section.
A few of us have fibre glass beach buggies, I am an active member of the Manx Club.
Also own an eary Bronco,shes in need of tlc. I am gearing up to get it back on the road.

Welcome to CK5 @Gareth

 

[nvrenuf]

Deep down @tarussell is a Land Cruiser guy.

 

[cheavyk10]

I owned a Levi's edition CJ5 when I was a younger version of myself, and loved it. It was a '79 with the AMC 304, and was way too fast for itself. With manual steering and manual brakes, it was a handful. I still like CJ5's and CJ7's, but have absolutely no interest in modern Jeeps.

 

[tarussell]

My first 4WD was a 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 that I got back in ‘89.
It had been used mostly to go out on the barrier islands on the gulf for fishing ( until that was deemed illegal from erosion damage from the hurricanes ) so by the time I got it the rust was impressive to say the least.
I bought it from a friend of mine ( who was the second owner ) who got it in 1987 while we were all in high school.
As soon as I got it I explored every old logging trail that there was within three counties and was hooked on off roading for good!

It had the Yota 2F engine at first but it was worn out due to carb issues and lost the motor one night coming home from work.

I was a broke kid and could not afford to replace the 2F so a friend of mine that owned a shop ( who had an old FJ40 years ago and installed a 327 ) said we could put a SBC in it for much less money then a 2F would cost - and so we did.

We made engine mounts out of Chevy 4WD frame mounts and I got a 350 from a ‘72 Chevelle and learned how to rebuild it - picked up an intake and Q-jet from a ‘69 SS Camaro ( not a big deal today but to a 19 year old kid it was cool ) and went down to the local speed shop and bought an RV type cam.

I wanted the motor to pull hard at extreme low RPM’s like the 2F did so when the owner of the speed shop asked just how low of a power range I was looking for I said 300 RPM’s - that did not go over well at a prominent speed shop!
Soon after the motor was in I did a S.O.A. flip to fit my new 35” tires and I installed 4.11 gears ( ‘79’s came with 3.70’s ) and Lincoln-Lockered the rear diff - unbelievable difference off road.
The traction on the rear wheels from such a short wheelbase was amazing and the turning radius from a 90” WB was incredible going around trees while on the trails.

Over the next three years I CONSTANTLY wheeled that thing and I can truly say that the body rotted off of that thing because it was rusted so bad - in retrospect driving it in the saltwater bays and bayous and swamps was not the best thing for it but we had a blast in that thing!

I’ve had several trucks since but that FJ40 is still my favorite till this very day.
The FJ40’s started climbing in prices really high in the 90’s and I regret not getting a good one when I could…
I’ve got a ‘78 in storage now but it’s in about the same shape rust wise as my ‘79 was when I first got it.

Thanks for taking me down memory lane.

 

[Big Ray]

My first vehicle was a 79 CJ-7.
Red Renegade package, blue stripe package and blue denim top and seats, and white wagon wheels.
304, 3 speed.
Loved that rig.
Here it is with my h.s. sweety.

 

[Desert_K5]

I had a pretty bad ass 76 Ford short bed, it was a beast with the 390 and 4 speed manual. Also had a couple of CJ-7s sprinkled in there. The one pictured was fun with a 350 Chevy powering it. Both times I had people offer way more than I paid so they weren't around too long. I've been a GM guy 30 plus years, they are the best.

Edited to add my first vehicle was a 1980 Toyota 4x4 long bed with a 4 speed, and probably a good thing it would hardly do 60mph lol.

 

[70jimmy]

Only mild trails in this one and winter driving duties. Wife's 78 ford F-150 custom.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Not sure how vintage they qualify for but hell…most of them are over 30 years old now. Had several Geo Trackers and the Suzuki equivalents. Little monsters offroad and fit everywhere. Loved mine but they rust so bad it’s hard to find decent ones now. They’re also not everywhere for $500 now.

Also had a TTB Ranger I dumped a lot of money into that sorta was long(er) travel. Beat it around Northern Michigan but loved that thing until I needed more truck.

Now bidding my time for a K5 or maybe a pickup.

 

[imiceman44]

Growing up in the middle east, chevy was my poison, had a 74 k5 and a chevy van I converted to 4wd.
But my sister ended up buying a Lada Niva that was not bad off road.

 

[dra1967pool]

Hey everyone,
I know CK5 is all about Blazers and Jimmys, but I’m curious—who here owns or has owned other classic off-roaders? I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage 4x4s, whether it's an old Bronco, Scout, Land Cruiser, or even a Power Wagon.


Right now, I’m running a [insert vehicle if you want] and love taking it on trails whenever I get the chance. Always interested in hearing about other rigs, their builds, and how they compare to the classic K5s.


Drop some pics and stories, let’s see what else is out there!

Ok I have 1982 Chevy K5 Blazer with a 5.9 cummins and 3/4 ton axles. 47 R trans and 205 transfer case
Daily driver
Keep the under height 7' for carwash
If need parts be able to buy them anywhere for easy access

If you any questions just message me.