Best choice for Tough truck...

[rusty ol ranger]

Want to get a truck to run at the fair next year in the oval/tough truck races ...

Not gonna be to picky but want a Ranger or F150, preferbly Carbed (not sure how to wire a electic fuel pump to a marine tank...anyone know how to do this?)

I know the old Chevys are a dime a dozen but when you are pounding on them lap after lap wide open they seem to break (atleast thats been my observation), the seem to be faster then the fords, but the Fords hold up better. (Im gonna credit Twin I beams for this).

But anyways...comments...suggestions?

later,
Dustin

 

[brinker88]

Of the tough truck rangers I've seen, they have all been 3rd gen bodies with a massively trussed Dana 44 monobeam and disc 8.8 or narrowed 9". Usually stroker engines, built autos and cast iron t-cases.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

These have to remain stock...except for cemented doors and other safety items...

 

[brinker88]

Hmm. that wasnt a tuff truck then. I'd go w/ a Late 2nd gen or 3rd gen either way as the Dana 35 TTB is stronger than the Dana 28 and the Dana 35 IFS.

 

[daniel3507]

I think we all know that Tonka trucks are the toughest around.

Sent from the think n' stink.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

S-10... to save another Ranger from dying.

 

[jhammel85]

Its tough to say what's best. If you go older (carbed) it might not take much abuse either. I say third Gen ranger too! Except for maybe a bronco or f150 with a 351w.

 

[6.2]

Bronco's are the king of tuff trucks.

 

[shane96ranger]

S-10... to save another Ranger from dying.

Yeah, can 85 have your coil buckets when you're done with them?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Could always run a 300-6 F-150.... those motors are about indestructable......

 

[shane96ranger]

Could always run a 300-6 F-150.... those motors are about indestructable......

Very true. This is a good recommendation.

 

[Ozwynn]

you need to think deeper that the motor.

Full size Bronco with 351 and an oversized transcooler if not using a manual.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, can 85 have your coil buckets when you're done with them?

Could always run a 300-6 F-150.... those motors are about indestructable......

How do those compare weightwise vs a different engine? Generally I6's are pretty heavy, lots of weight in the front won't help your landings any...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I was thiniing of a Bronco but i dont think so because of the fact i feel like it would roll eaiser then a Longbox Pickup would....

What i would really like to find is a 80-86 (Carbed) F150 with a 300 I6 and a 4sp...I wouldnt be opposed to goin with something EFI as long as someone could tell me how to make it work with a marine tank (required by rules).

I dont think a 300 weighs to much more then a 302, granted they are not as fast, BUT...If my radiator, oilpan, hoses, or combination thereof gets taken out i think a 300 would have a better chance of still holding togther then a 302 or 351 would, PLUS, from what ive seen its not the fastest truck that wins its the one that takes the best pounding as is able to finish (usually only 2 or 3 trucks make it to the finish), and you cant get much tougher then a Early 80's Ford with a I6 and a manual. Unless its a 70s Ford with a I6 and a manual...but id rather not destroy one of those

I was tossing around the idea of maybe an 80's style E series van....I dont know if the rules allow them or not, but iwas thinking jumps would be eaiser on the front end with the shorter amount of overhang and little bit better weight distribution....

later,
Dustin

 

[6.2]

The shorter wheelbase and better weight bias of a bronco will more than make up for the top heavy-ness.

Plus, if it's on loose dirt it will slide no problem with proper technique.

YouTube bronco tuff truck.