Going to be checking out a '91 Trooper 4x4 tomorrow. 2.6L I4, 5 speed, manual hubs, etc. The truck doesn't run (no cylinder head), but it's priced at $300 and the owner claims there is no rust on the body or frame. Also has a clean title in hand. Are there any things in particular I should look out for? I'm not asking about general crap, I've bought vehicles before. I know practically nothing about trucks and 4x4s so anything specific to these types of vehicles would be helpful. Keep in mind it's not running, so I can't test drive it.

 

Don't ask how I know, but Trooper 2.6Ls in good shape are tough to find in Houston. At least they were a few years ago. The engines themselves, I mean. Good luck finding a head.

 

For $300-600 you should be able to find a cherokee with motor problems and swap in another 4.0, you'll have a better rig...

guy here locally bought a wagoneer with the tow package for $300, the tow package has the desireable D44 rear...

 

yeah forget the isuzu wtf, get something else

 

I was recently looking at a chevy tracker, lifted, chevy small block, 5 spd, 41" tires, roll cage, prepered - my friend took it to a good place to test it and it survived... It goes everywhere. the engine has 3k miles on it.... brand new from the dealership. lol
all this for 3k. I forgot what diffs it had but they were from a Jeep.

 

Start with the 4x4 essentials...get a see thru rebel flag rear window applique and a gun rack and build your 4x4 around that.

 

wound up not buying... the bastard neglected to mention he didn't have a title. When I low balled him $150 to cover the bonded title fees he got bitchy.

 

yeah **** that izuzu is not the forerunner in 4*4. hope you find a better chevy, jeep, toyota, or ford for your apllication GL

 

been looking around and there are a number of big body broncos for sale local too that I can afford within the next few months. I'd really prefer and extended cab pick up truck, but most of them are too new and are more expensive.

 

If you dont need a 4*4 a 1994+ hardbody with a ka24e is a very rugged ride

 

what the hell is that? judging by the engine code toyota? I can live without 4x4, but it would be nice to have.

 

Nissan pickup. 2.4 liter sohc inline 4 with stock 130 or so hp and 150 or so lbft stock if i drive under 70 i get 23 or better mpg. under 50 and in 5th most of the time i get about 27 mpg. basically the 240 sx with a solid rear axle, and more front end wieght still mine hanlde alright with 225's all around or the 215's front 255's rear i have now. 190K miles and going strong.

 

hmm... I'll look into that.

 

a sidekick/tracker or a samurai would be a great 4x4. i've owned 2 samurais, 1 sidekick, and 1 tracker...

 

+1
I have a 95 - basic truck w/ A/C and a rear bumper(can you believe that was optional???) I got it w/ 10K on it, have gone another 80K, and only costs have been oil & filter changes and 2 sets of front shocks (cheap, easy to do - like $80 for the shocks, 1 hour labor). Thing runs like the day I got it.

BUT - I think you're probably looking at 2-3 grand for a decent one.

 

+1 on the nissan truck. Especially the early ones that the model name is "Pickup". My buddy has one with like 300k on it and abuses the crap out of it daily, but it refuses to die.

 

so you spend 2K on a decent one and run it forever. 95 is the same as my 94. These KA's are 250-300K mile motors easy if they are maintained with oil changes etc. Just like any other KA keep an eye out for timming chain ratlle it can eat a hole in the coolant jacket if the tensioner is failing or the belt has stretched to much. still if you catch it early all you need is a new timming chain/ tensioner. My WP went out on mine at 150 or so K but it wasn't catastrohic just began to leak a little. very easy to work on and predictable. I wish i could find front shocks to last abit longer but that is what we get for torsion bar front suspension i geus still a very rugged and dependable truck.

 

too small... I want something that can carry a sbf and tranny in the back.

 

didn't know you were into that
May I suggest a donk then?

 

I carried 8 turbo kits in my sidekick. get creative.