Would Like help deciding on my first truck

[sir____man]

So I want a truck. I've been wanting a truck for years and at first wanted a 1997 ford ranger to build into a prerunner. Now I'm looking for a truck that I could build to handle the trails of the rocky mountains in Colorado because that is where I'll be moving to this upcoming spring. I've would really like a ranger preferably a pre-2000, but I would also settle for an f-150 also pre-2000. I've found a 1988 2.9 v6 ranger[/B] and a 1989 F-150 5.0 v8. Both 4x4(I consider this a must for my location) and in decent shape. I would like to build what I'm calling in my head a "trail truck", to me that's some where in between a prerunner and a crawler. Are these good model years for what I want to do with it? Which of the two would be better suited and why? Lastly where would be a good place to start the build for my truck?

P.S. I also want this to be a daily driver.

 

[JoshT]

If you don't want to do a solid axle swap, then the 97 and earlier Rangers will be better for what you want. Those trucks have the TTB front suspension which most like better for that work than an SLA suspension. I don't know when the F-150 hanged over so I can't comment on them.

The smaller size of the Ranger will help it fit on tighter trails. The bigger motor in the F-150 will turn larger tires easier. Both are capable.

Best place to start on building them will be fixing what the previous owners broke and neglected. Make sure it's going to be reliable before starting to build it up.

 

[CaliNickXLT]

Agreed on making it a good DD 1st, as thats what youll be doing most. Once shes running great do your mods. Good place to start is tires and shocks if your looking to go offroad. If you end up with a Ranger look for one with the 4.0 motor. I have a Almost stock 99Xlt 4x4 and youd be surprised where these things can take you an long as you have good tires and a healthy motor.