1970's 4X4 or 1990's 4X4

[duckidaho]

I was thinking about getting a cheap 4X4 pickup and only using it 20-30 times a year. Blizzards, icy boat ramps with the duck boat, rough mountain roads for hunting, hauling trailer of manure.

Anyway, in the $500-$2000 range I can either get a 1970's vintage truck carburator, distributor, coil, you know-simple. Or I can get something from the early 1990's with a computer, and all sorts of things in the engine compartment that I don't know what they are called.

Since I live in Idaho, which doesn't use road salt, rust isn't too much of a problem.

So, should I look at an older truck and buy it cheap and invest a few hundred in new plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor? Or should I go with the 90's version and hope I don't have to fix it?

[conundrum]

I think you have already answered your own question. The more complex a thing is, the more prone to failure it becomes. Seems that for your usage an older, less complicated truck would do just fine.

[Michael32170]

The 1970s models still have electronic ignition. You will need something earlier than 1974 model.

[Joe]

If fuel consumption is not an issue, the 70s chevy are easy to keep on the road, lots of available parts both new (NOS) and used. whatever brakes is easily diagnosis + nothing is sweeter than the sound of a carburated 454 with dual exhaust ;D

[duckidaho]

I only plan to use it when 4X4 is necessary, so gas isn't too much of an issue. We have another car for distance and everyday driving.

[Quietgentleman]

Personally I would go with the 70's pickup. But a person does need to take into account availability for parts most junk yard will have plenty of parts for the 90's era pickup but the 70's era can be rare and hard to find stuff for.

QGM

[springbrook]

I like the '70 - '80s trucks as well. They do ride like a truck is supposed to, so be ready for that. If the electronic ign worries you, it is very easy to drop in a points dizzy to solve that problem. The only problem I have seen with the electronic ign is the ign module in the dizzy going out, and they go out all at once so carry a spare. The front end is what you really need to look at on these trucks. The fords with the coil suspension have axle mounting bushings that may need replaced. The chevy ones need to have the front leaf springs and hangers looked at for cracks or breaks. These will put the axle in a bind and stop you in your tracks. The drag links and tie rod ends are ussually worn out as well on both brands. It isn't too bad if you can do your own repairs, but an alignment will be required after the repairs. I would go with the models from the 80s, as these used the part time transfer case and lockout front hubs. These do save alot of wear on the truck. I like being able to get a 3/4 ton at an affordable price compared to a later model one. The brakes are better and the extra load carrying comes in very handy.
Best Regards,
John

[remington]

1970's. Keep it simple.