Hello from the rust belt, outside buffalo NY

[Mr.Klock]

So i cant find what i want here in 1 truck! I did find a 1996 ext cab field truck, solid frame 4 cylinder 4x4, also a broken frame nice body and bed parts truck. Any ideas on how long to switch the whole things around, both same years, 4x4s.Both had/have manual transmissions.Im thinking not a full weekend job, maybe a full week?what should i look out for?

 

[MikeG]

A bunch of really strong friends!!! LOL Good luck.

 

[Curious Hound]

I've never done a body swap. Seems like a week should do it. But you definitely need some heavy lifters.

 

[Mr.Klock]

Not sure yet if im gonna even try it. Most on here say find the truck to start with.Just cant find a 4.0 ohv , manual, 4x4, extended cab,ugh!!!! I hate my 2012 acadia and always taking my kids ranger, lol

 

[Roert42]

If you're anything like me, I would plan for at least 6 months.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

 

[Naddanme]

I did see a newer one near me a couple weeks ago for sale. Probably a 2003ish. I’m about 2hrs south of you. If I get over that way I’ll check out the info and let you know. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Mr.Klock]

Thats the sohc or dohc, trying to avoid that, but that you

 

[Rick W]

A journey of a thousand miles starts with snapping off a hard to reach rusty bolt!

Welcome aboard!

 

[Rick W]

& get three and get them half done. Then you can say you’ve built one and a half!

Seriously, consider getting a southern truck. It’ll take a little time and money, but the time and money will be much less than trying to revive an old rusty frozen relic. My son lives in New Jersey, I’m in Atlanta, and whenever he needs something like this, I find it down here and then it’s only one day and about $300 to drive it up there, and then he’s got the nicest truck of any of his buddies.

Search out a few on Craigslist. When there’s something to see, you can get a round-trip flight for about $300 give or take. Come down and check them out and pay for them if you’d like it, and either drive it back and lose the second half of the plane ticket, or, if it needs work, if you’re around me Atlanta I can point you to a couple shops that won’t rip you off to get it running well enough to get it home. I’m guessing 13-14 hours to Buffalo. I went to school in Ithaca, I’ve done it a few times.

 

[Naddanme]

A journey of a thousand miles starts with snapping off a hard to reach rusty bolt!

Welcome aboard!

I thought it was “ A string of a thousand curses starts with snapping off a hard to reach rusty bolt!” Lol

Sure is nice getting southern trucks. My ‘95 was a Florida truck most of its life only been up here maybe 5 yrs and it’s in really good shape especially compared to most in this area.

 

[Mr.Klock]

Its crossed my mind,right now the search staying within a full day travel only.That 4 letter curse word"W#&K" interferes to much with fun time as it is.

 

[Rick W]

Haha, I know, I’m almost free. Semi retired, I do the deals I feel like doing or help friends.

One last thought. Atlanta is one of the biggest airline hubs in the world, and there are very cheap direct flights from almost anywhere. Round trips are just a little bit more, so again, you could buy something and have it checked out and fly down and drive it back, and if it’s not ready to go you could fly back and I could tell you several good guys to get it fixed without spending a lot of money. The guys on the forum are starting to understand that I really am stupid cheap when I do stuff!!!

 

[Mr.Klock]

Might have one 5 hours away,1998 still stock, waiting on more pics like the vin plate and door sticker.

 

[Rick W]

Let me know the details: bed, cab, drivetrain and years. I’m on craigslist four/five times a day for my own projects. I could keep an eye out and give you a shout if something comes up. If you can change out the drivetrain, you can buy clean Rust free straight bodies & rust free frames with OK interiors for nothing down here. I’m doing the Rick-storation on my 87 short short 4Wd, and I bought a clean straight 2WD missing only the engine and transmission that is otherwise complete for $150. I’ll sell the wheels for more than that. I bought my 93 for $400 for the 10” wheels and tires and seat without realizing that the engine and transmission work fine. Body had a few dings, but totally fixable and completely rust free. That’s the mini tractor trailer project now.

Let me know the details, the yr range, and I’ll keep my eyes open. And if it’s anywhere near me or near my travels, I can take a quick look. I should have been named Sanford....