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Whats the ideal trail rig setup? for "cheap"-er

B

Beefcake

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What is the ideal engine, tranny, drivtrain, axle, suspension, tire, setup for a rig that dose mostly trails some mud, and a little rocks? Mostly looking for "bang for my buck" and ways to keep it affordable. I only have a limited budget.
 
if cheap is the main goal, a 3/4 ton chebby with a 350 and a manual and long stock leaf springs would be about as good as it gets.

j
 
Decent trailworthy is my true goal

Trailworthiness is my ultimate goal while keeping it reasonably priced. i'm purchasing either an80's model k5 or late 70's. like i said mostly for trails(I live on a ranch and trails are bountiflull) some mud, little rocks.
 
A 4" TC lift would keep the fabwork down and still flex reasonable. If you're good with your welding and such, buy some 63's for the back and 56's up front. That gets expensive tho cause then you need *really* long shocks, x-over steer, and new d-shafts usually. Get a 14bolt rear with some decent gears for what tire u wanna run and a sm465 for the granny low.
 
out of curiosity, is there a reason you're getting a k5? they don't come with axles you'd want for a trail rig... and while the removable top is cool and all, at some point most trail rigs lose the top and rear seat anyway. lol. I guess it has less weight in sheetmetal than a truck, cause there is nuttin behind the drivers seat...

anyway, I still think a 3/4 ton truck with a manual would be your best bet. It will come with good axles that can handle decent sized tires... and manuals tend to be a lot cheaper than rebuilding autos. ;)

j
 
leave a 3/4 ton gasser stock with maybe some mud terrains and you've got a budget wheeler.

i wouldn't touch suspension and all that unless you're ready to dump some cash...it gets addictive
 
Best thing to do is to buy someone's rig thats got to sell it from this forum. You'll save a lot of money in the long run. I've seen well built rigs on here go for less than $4000. 1tons, lockers, 40s and all the goodies.
 
I really like the K5 Blazer myself. Build it as you can afford it. I'd start off with a 4" to lift. Next would be too find some 3/4 ton axles. After you have your 35" tires and rims, swap in the new axles and slap the big tires on. Now you may need too trim your fenders, but not a issue on a 70's K5, infact, looks pretty damn good.
 
If it were me I would go for a single cab long wheel base 3/4 ton truck. As stated above you have good axles to handle tires. I also do ranch work. I prefer the long box bed because you have more room to put stuff. If you add a toolbox to a short bed it takes up all the room. You can haul more stuff in a long bed which is nice when doing ranch work.
 
Great idea. a 3/4 ton is a better choice. I'll have axles. and cargo space for fence posts and tools and junk. Thanx :D
 
goo to see you're going to get a pickup. a 3/4 gasser pickup is the best for cheap wheeling. the shorter wheelbase of the k5 doesn't matter as much if you don't care (or at least care less. i understand the concept of semi-beater) about the truck.

3/4 4x4, with 350 and 465 stick shift is the way to go.

there's a good chance that's what i'll buy when it comes time.
 
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