Non-Ford, Compact Trucks

[Ranger_XL]

If you were seeking to purchase a compact, pick-up truck aside from your Ford Ranger, which option would be the better choice: the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma or the Dodge Dakota?

 

[Blmpkn]

Well, if you need/want (factory) v8 capabilities, the Dakota's your only choice, I really wouldn't consider it compact compared to an s10 or ranger though.

 

[Jim Oaks]

GMC Syclone. 270hp turbocharged 4.3.

Ford never made a Ranger that could compete with it.

 

[Blmpkn]

View attachment 38269

GMC Syclone. 270hp turbocharged 4.3.

Ford never made a Ranger that could compete with it.

Good luck finding one for s10/sonoma/dakota price though! Only like 3000 made.

 

[sheep herder]

You could buy 2 new Broncos and a Super Duty for the cost of a Syclone.

 

[8thTon]

View attachment 38269

GMC Syclone. 270hp turbocharged 4.3.

Ford never made a Ranger that could compete with it.

This is prior to the ferrous oxide mods.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Id probably buy a 1st gen S10 honestly.

 

[97RangerXLT]

before the s10/sonoma or Dakota I would choose a Toyota Tacoma. but I would get it from a southern state as Toyota had some rust issues on the frames.

AJ

 

[Curious Hound]

If we're going to deviate from the OP's guidelines,

Hilux diesel.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Since I have no idea what you are using it for, I'm going for the Dakota. I had both the S-10 and a first gen Dakota. The S-10 was comfy but I was over working it. (It was a 4cyl, LS model) The Dakota was a basic work truck with an eight foot bed that got horrible mileage (14!) I think a new gen with the proper lower valance would help.

 

[Ranger850]

The s10 has a very huge aftermarket selection of parts, not to mention all the Chevy, Caddy, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and GM parts that will swap into that sucker.

My other truck is a 88 Nissan 2wd and parts are pretty easy to come by except the throttle body, those are getting harder to find. But a carb will fix that when i get there.

 

[racsan]

S10 with a 4.3 , just dont drive pissed and hold it to the floor when you leave from a stop, it (may) not shift out of 2nd and at about 70 mph and 2 miles later its pumped all the oil to the top of the engine quicker than it can drain back down to the oil pan- then you spin every rod bearing and it sounds like a diesel afterwards.

 

[adsm08]

S10 with a 4.3 , just dont drive pissed and hold it to the floor when you leave from a stop, it (may) not shift out of 2nd and at about 70 mph and 2 miles later its pumped all the oil to the top of the engine quicker than it can drain back down to the oil pan- then you spin every rod bearing and it sounds like a diesel afterwards.

You also have to remember that when the intake gaskets go the stop leak goes in the coolant, not the oil.

 

[Curious Hound]

S10 with a 4.3 , just dont drive pissed and hold it to the floor when you leave from a stop, it (may) not shift out of 2nd and at about 70 mph and 2 miles later its pumped all the oil to the top of the engine quicker than it can drain back down to the oil pan- then you spin every rod bearing and it sounds like a diesel afterwards.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Datsun.