"LoneCoyote" (1lonecoyote)
01/14/2019 at 20:23 • Filed to: Minitruckin, michigan, offroad, build, prerunner, raptor
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"LoneCoyote" (1lonecoyote)
01/14/2019 at 20:23 • Filed to: Minitruckin, michigan, offroad, build, prerunner, raptor | 0
| 21 |
Hello all (internet picture ref.),
I have been contemplating a build and was looking for some experienced feedback. My current question is whether to start with a mini-truck, or a full size. The end goal of the truck would be to daily drive/ pre-run and off road. I live in Michigan, but I always have liked the idea of desert racing/ running. Also could be useful for some of the roads here...
My idea with the mini-truck would be to keep it near 3k lbs if possible, similar to a stadium super. Think first gen ranger or s10 size. My thoughts would be that it would be an agile truck, but I don’t know how daily- driveable. Other option is of course full-size. Better for larger obstacles, more stable, but also a lot heavier; would be lucky to stay near 5k lbs. Weapon of choice would probably be gmt800 Chevy or bumpside ford like pictured, but needs fuel injection for the cold. I’m not really interested in full-size Broncos, especially seeing their price as of late.
So, here is my question; is it cheaper to go one route more than the other? My first thought is that a mini truck could use slightly smaller/ cheaper components whereas a larger truck would need beefier stuff- ie, tire sizes, shock diameters... but at the end of the day, does it all come out pretty even? A mini-truck would need a complete overhaul, but wouldn’t need as much hp...
I really enjoy the building process the most, but of course want something that I can be proud of and have fun in at the end. Does anyone know the potential cost differences or enjoyment? I am also looking at showing off some of my fab work and am nervous that an old mini-truck would not look as impressive.
Thanks for any feedback or thoughts you all have.
Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street.
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 20:36 |
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MM54
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 20:45 |
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For off-road I’d say probably go with a full-size. It’ll be a lot more capable as a starting point than an old s10 or ranger, and less likely to need big-money engine/drivetrain upgrades to keep pace with suspension/tires.
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street.
01/14/2019 at 20:55 |
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Want
Die-Trying
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 20:57 |
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maybe something in the old class 8 style?..........
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Die-Trying
> CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
01/14/2019 at 21:04 |
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CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> Die-Trying
01/14/2019 at 21:05 |
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Want
RutRut
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 21:06 |
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I-beam Ranger is probably the easiest/cheapest place to start. I’d personally start with a full size Chevy and go mid-travel Mazzula.
CRider
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 21:14 |
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A Total Chaos or Cambu rg Toyota Tacoma is a good place to start if you want a prerunner.
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LoneCoyote
> Die-Trying
01/14/2019 at 21:21 |
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That is basically the discussion I was looking for- class 8 or class 9. In terms of cost, should they be similar?
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LoneCoyote
> CRider
01/14/2019 at 21:22 |
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I am looking at building the truck from flatstock. I have done a good deal of fab work in the past and want to really get into it.
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LoneCoyote
> Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street.
01/14/2019 at 21:24 |
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I understand you can buy anything. I am looking more to build. On a budget. A small budget.
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CRider
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 21:32 |
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Do you plan on entering any races? If you’re already making a caged racer you should consider building the truck to fit into an established class.
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 21:38 |
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Ranger. No questions. There is so much aftermarket for pre runner style trucks. Many different suspension kits, bed roll bars, engine cages, fiberglass body panels ETC.
Your in MI,
go to silver lake sand dunes. Id say 60% of the pre runner trucks you will see are rangers in some form. Also call up Griffen Fab Works in Grand Rapids. They build pre runner stuff all the time and could help determine what parts are available.
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LoneCoyote
> CRider
01/14/2019 at 21:53 |
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This makes sense, so I guess the question I have is class 8 vs class 9. Is one a lot cheaper than the other? I don’t necessarily have the money to be “competitive”, but wouldn’t mind being able to join an event or two.
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CRider
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 21:55 |
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An idea for a trophy style build I’ve had for a while is to use a vintage truck body from the 19 40s-50s . Something like this
The closest I’ve seen it done is this truck, but you get the idea.
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LoneCoyote
> TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
01/14/2019 at 21:55 |
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I am looking to fab most of the stuff myself from stock, as I enjoy the building the most. That said, I have heard people say that when they went from ranger to full size, they would never go back. I just don’t know the truth.
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CRider
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 22:02 |
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Class 9 is a buggy based on a Volkswagen, so you’ll want to look into Class 8 if you want to build a truck. Class 8 is a good class to look into, it gives you a lot of freedom to modify while keeping the expensive parts (engine, frame, body) mostly stock . Just pick a good full size truck and go crazy.
http://score-international.com/raceinfo/rule-book/truck-classes/class-8/
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Die-Trying
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 22:10 |
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a lot of the old classic class8 trucks didnt have much done to the suspension in terms of crazy long travel arms or super long travel suspension components, like modern stadium trucks do. most of them seem to have just had a nice solid cage to brace things up and help keep the cage from folding up. i have seen,(been a while) threads on the net where they show some of the class8 trucks getting refurbished. and there is not much there in terms of heavy fabrication. some JUST had a couple of additional shocks added, and the spring mounts moved around a bit.........
and a whole lot of plating and boxing on the front suspension........
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TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> LoneCoyote
01/14/2019 at 22:12 |
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ah ok that makes sense. Rangers are very easy to modify as well.
Hmmmm yea i dont know. Most the rangers i see are long travel ones so i know they are fun. and most are engine swapped as well.
Twin I-beam older fords are popular too because the front suspension can take a beating and is set up well to be long travel so thats another thing to think about. Also i just love the 70s ford pre runners
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Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street.
> LoneCoyote
01/15/2019 at 08:52 |
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I know, went browsing, found street legal awesomeness. Had to share.
Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!
> LoneCoyote
01/15/2019 at 11:17 |
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Old Chevy or GMC C10. Already has long arm rear suspension and looks cooler.