Cascade Crew

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 7:59 pm Post subject: Small truck survey

So here's my question: If you could have any small, 2wd truck based solely on the suspension and chassis, with no regard for quality or reliability of the engine or drivetrain, what would it be? Any YMM, no brand preferences.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Probably the extreme, though I've never drivin one but from what I have read they handle real well.

turbo_jimi · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:49 am Post subject:

I really liked my 1993 Nissan Pick-up when I owned it. It was a solid little truck. Wish I still had it. Sad

Dewey316 · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:18 am Post subject:

For what purpose?

Exploder Sport-Trak has IRS, so if you are trying to make a "sports car" with a bed, it might work.

Does the Baja count?

And, I am guessing since you actually can't get one, the Maloo doesn't count.

Alphius · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:38 am Post subject:

What criteria are you looking for? Load capacity, handling, ride quality, etc? Also, what age are you thinking of? The ideal choice would change depending on many factors. This is too vague for proper answers.

Also based on the given information (and some assumptions by me) I choose the Jeep Comanche because it is a solid front axle, unibody truck. It has great ground clearance and higher available load ratings than the competition. Also, the coil front axle and leaf rear is simpler and more dependable than any torsion bar front or independent front suspension.

From the ones I have extensively driven (S10, Mazda B-series, Toyota, Jeep Comanche) I feel that the Comanche is subjectively better for a wide range of tasks and that, depending on criteria, it is objectively the better choice for many truck-like tasks.

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:22 am Post subject:

I would go for one of the last year of the s10's because they are so simple to work on, parts are widely availble.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:45 am Post subject:

The Extreme S-10s always caught my eye. Nice looking rigs and handled pretty damn well with a decent ride. I put a SBC in one and didn't have to change the suspension at all. . The old Repus are cool but hard to find. They get auto crossed a lot.

A lowered v6 Nissan circa early 90's seems to do okay all around.

I'd probably have to vote the Extreme though as far as chassis/suspension.

fiveoformula · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:27 am Post subject:

In a V6 small pickup, an S10 or extreme with a 4.3 is great. Older Nissans have a great V6 too. For a 4cyl, I like my '02 ranger, its a DOHC 2.3L, gets great mileage. Its a short bed regular cab though so the ride is not the best.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:41 am Post subject:

The suspension sucks on the 2wd older rangers though.

fiveoformula · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:15 pm Post subject:

Older rangers? The '92 up to 2011 are the same I believe.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:25 pm Post subject:

They definitely changed some stuff I don't know what it is. My little brother has like a '02-'03 and it's okay at best for suspension. The '95 era ones I'd driven before was like driving a boat.

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:57 pm Post subject:

Little off tanget. Ive always wanted to get a 4x4 s10, lower it to look like an s10 extreme, and extreme cladding, put the bravada AWD transfer case in it. Then turbo the 4.3.... basically making it a modern cyclone. Rock on!

iansane · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:29 pm Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:28 pm Post subject:

I suppose I left you guys hanging a bit, so I'll explain.

I f*cking hate this Mazda.

No seriously. Hate the thing.

It has the worst ride of any vehicle I have ever owned (and I have owned a lot of vehicles Razz

). Jarringly hard ride on the freeway, but real soft and wallowy through the corners.

Also, 20mpg with an EFI four banger sucks. I got that on the freeway with my fawking carbed S10 that was way faster and handled better.

I already have a truck truck. So I could give a crap about payload capacity and 4wd and all the normal stuff. I average between four and six hundred miles per week so want a beater to put miles on, nothing fancy/new/expensive that I will just ruin. Razz

My primary concern is economy, the ride, and ability to corner fast. My thoughts thus far:

Comanche: No extended cab option. Added payload means nothing as I haul with the diesel. Worried about the solid axle cornering at speed. Crap mpg.

First-gen S10: Nova suspension is a known quantity. Extended cab readily available. 4.3 sucks gas, 2.8 sucks rod bearings, and the duke just sucks. Hard to find one not ruined by idiots.

Second-gen S10: Meh 4.3, so I'd be down to the Ecotec.

Yota: Crap mpg. Overrated reputation drives up price

The Nissan hardbody is intriguing. I know they're powerful for a little truck and are reported to handle well. Anyone on here actually owned one?

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

I had one year's ago. Was a five speed stripped down four banger. Did alrightbit my body had a six cylinder. That thing was pretty bad ass. .

iansane · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:01 pm Post subject:

Twilightoptics · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:49 pm Post subject:

My old boss had one. The EFI system is retarded as is some emissions stuff. Passed that we hauled 55 gallon drums of fuel and other various bs without issue. Like I said, it was lowered.

I'd have to say it's gotta be comparable to the mazda. That truck shouldn't ride that harsh dude.

91RSVert · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 4:05 am Post subject:

I helped body drop a nissan truck. Didnt seem overly hard to work on. But as for ride, never rode in a stock one. MPG, I have no clue as I didnt own it and again, they were far from stock.

I have owned 3 2.8 s10s. Only issues I had was timing chains every 30k. MPG was freakin amazing!!! You can now do a 3.4 swap into them, more power and only loose 1mpg (unless you hotrod it).

Alphius · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:48 am Post subject:

Why does it have to be a truck? I can think of at least one vehicle that meets all of your criteria and exceeds the capabilities of your other options. I bet you haven't even thought of it. Wink

2.2L 5-speed Subaru wagon. 90-94. Cheap, good mileage (even better with FWD), good power, multi-port EFI, way easy to work on, reliable, handles great, good load capacity (almost as much as a small truck w/canopy), and doesn't suffer from inflated value as much as a small pickup does these days.

Your criteria:
Mileage - 28-32 highway with FWD, 2-3 less with AWD
Ride Quality - Way better than any small truck. 4-wheel independent suspension with coilovers and 4-wheel discs.
Cornering - Leaves any small truck in the dust.
Power - 135 honest HP and tons of torque. Enough to match or beat any 2.8 S10 and enough to blow away your Mazda.

Plus I am a bit of a Subaru nut so I have a good handle on the market and know how to find a good deal. Smile

turbo_jimi · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:00 am Post subject: