Author Topic: Getting hard to find... (Read 1170 times)

ironglow · « **on:** December 02, 2009, 11:11:08 AM »

  I have recently decided I would like to get another off road capable vehicle. ...But here's the hitch! I like a simple, 4cyl , manual shift reasonable clearance, short wheelbase and manually set free-wheeling hubs I had a 1990 Suzuki Samurai and a 1994 Samurai and l;iked thgem very much. Then I got a 1998 Jeep CJ with 4cyl manual, an I liked that even though it was far behind the Samurai in gas mileage.
   In any case, I wiould like to have any of them back in preference to what is offered now..over sized, overly plush, with too many electronic gee-gaws..elec windows, locks, seat adjusters and even electric 4WD engagement! I just dion't need all these things....which can go wrong.
  Is ANYBODY making the equivalent of my old Jeep or even more preferred..my old Samurai?

KeepTryin · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2009, 01:38:30 PM »

Good Luck Sir! I've been looking for a similar thing and having little luck. They don't make it very easy to be practical/frugal these days. The closest I've found new is a Toyota 4x4 4cyl PU, but they can only be had with a stick which would be a problem with my wife in case she had to drive it. And I don't have a beater clutch vehicle to burn up showing her how to drive one... I have actually seen these on lots, however, and they are under 20k, a minor miracle in itself.

Chevy SUPPOSEDLY makes a 4cyl. 4x4 S10 pickup with an auto (and maybe manual - I didn't check), but it turns out they don't actually make them. List yes, make no. Not enuf margin in them I suppose.

Apparently everybody needs a 3/4 ton V-10 whatever to go to the lumberyard to buy a couple of boards or throw a deer in the back of these days. Of course our country didn't get in it's current fix by everybody having too high of standards... Oh No that wouldn't be it...

ironglow · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2009, 02:13:38 PM »

I am continually amazed..I don't expect that tey should cancel the deluxe models with all the electronics and gee-gaws, but it sure seems like there must be a sizeable slice of us who appreciate the old-time economical/frugal, short wheelbase models.

gypsyman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2009, 07:09:54 PM »

Really kinda miss the first pick up I ever had. 1977 Ford F-100. 3 speed on the column,302,(300 inline 6 would have been ok too!) no radio,air,cruise,power windows,nothing! $4200 out the door,tax and all. Never see those days again. gypsyman

ironglow · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2009, 04:43:40 AM »

I understand you for sure Gypsyman. The 2005 Ranger 2WD I drive right now is 4cyl, 5 speed, plain Jane , steel wheels with 7" hubcaps..no trimmings except for air (my wife's health needs it) and cruise (saves leg & tickets). It is not so much trhe cost, although that is considered...but I figure rather simply; the more junk and trimmings attached..is just that much more to go wrong.

bilmac · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2009, 05:56:47 AM »

I share your pain Iron. I am not looking at the new vehicles now, but am told that manual trannys are just about a thing of the past, can't even get them in the new pickups.

I have a Bronco II that my wife rolled several years ago. Smushed the top but everything below was OK. I cut all the top off, and made a plywood cab, with a little pickup box in back. I love the vehicle. I loved it even more when I discovered I was frequently getting 20 mpg puttering around on two track roads.

When I put it together I had intended to junk it as soon as I had any trouble, but after I have run it for about 10 years (with very little trouble) and I look at what is available to replace it with, I think I may just keep fixing on it. If I'm lucky I might die before it does.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2009, 08:35:35 AM »

Quote

Then I got a 1998 Jeep TJ with 4cyl manual, an I liked that even though it was far behind the Samurai in gas mileage.

That's because you made the mistake of buying a 4cyl jeep. Everyone opts for the 6cyl because it runs twice as good, is more reliable and gets better mileage. Primarily because a 4cyl jeep is so underpowered you're driving it floored all the time. A rule of thumb with ALL jeeps is if there's an optional engine, BUY IT! Never settle for the base engine. Now a 4.0TJ won't get the mileage of a Samuari but it won't get Bad mileage either.

By all accounts the Base model Jeep JK Wrangler is also a very good vehicle that can be bought right now at insanely marked down prices.

ironglow · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2009, 09:13:22 AM »

  I've had experience with both the inline 4cyl and 6cyl..the 4 does get better mileage..and I didn't need to floor it all the time. The 4 cyl had amuch better front to rear weight ratio for the days when I came upon slippery/snowy areas without hubs locked in. The 6 cyl got 18-19 mpg while the 4 cyl got 21-22 mpg. My Samurais(2) got 30 mpg whether in 2 or 4wd.
  I have bought Rangers sinc they first came out..about 10 of them ..all 4cyl manual except for one 4.0 V6 auto, 4WD. My present 4cyl gets 28mpg OTR and 25.5mpg when hauling my teardrop style camper. The 4.0 got 18-19mpg OTR and when hauling an 18' regular camper, dropped to 10-12mpg, depending upon conditions.
  My whole post here started with the lament over a truly base model..which doesn't seem to exist in today's inventories. All the electric doorlocks, electric windows, power adjust seats, auto transmissions, power tailgates, electronic 4WD engagement, fancy rimbellisher wheels, power sunroofs etc, etc only make a vehicle less, rather than more, dependable. Just that much more stuff to go wrong, say nothing about the unnecessary added weight.

KeepTryin · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2009, 09:59:16 AM »

I sent a letter to GM b*tching about not being able to buy a base truck and they sent me this sunny email, part of which is this:

You've already been introduced to the 2009 Chevy
Colorado. Now take a closer look at a truck
that works hard — and plays even harder.
The new Vortec 5.3L V8 engine
produces 300 hp while maintaining
the BEST V8 FUEL ECONOMY of any midsize
pickup¹

Write them about wanting a 4cyl. and they proudly tell you that it's now possible to get a V-8 shoehorned into a Colorado. Yay. After the government takeover, wasn't everybody afraid they were going to start building little stuff nobody wanted? No worries mates!

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2009, 10:23:39 AM »

Lol you guys can't see the forest for the trees

while you lament over carpet and power windows I'm worried about the lack of solid axles, longitudinal mounted engines, 2speed xfer cases and manual transmissions

ironglow · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2009, 12:16:22 PM »

Krochus;
   You will note, each of the 4WD vehicles (Samurai & Jeep) had solid axles, 2sp xfer cases and manual transmissions, I took those for a given... no need to mention. Both the Samurai & Jeep had linear mounted engines, rather than longitudinally mounted...I prefer them that way, mounted "inline"..

  KeepTryin;
  It's like talking to a brick wall..they just don't get it ! First thing you know, perhaps hgyundai opr Kia will bring out a no-nonsense type, short wheelbase utility...and then listen to Ford and the two "Government motors" cry and whine..

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2009, 03:19:29 PM »

Can't you get the Colorado 2.8 4 cyl in a 4x4? I thought that I'd seen them in the past. Probably the closest you're gonna get nowadays. I've been shopping myself... do you have any idea how hard it is to find a 4x4 that doesn't have power everything and fancy interior? The only luxury I want is cruise control. I can order a Chevy/GMC 1500 Work Truck just how I want it, but I don't want to shell out the money for a new truck.

KeepTryin · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2009, 03:59:00 PM »

They SAY they make the Colorado in a 4 banger configuration in 4x4 but they really don't BUILD any of them. I went through the whole 'locate a vehicle' thing with GM and they didn't actually have any, anywhere. Then they started sending me email after email about loaded to the gills models they had available on lots. And V-8's. Groan.

I give up. I asked about ordering a stripped Tracker some years back and basically got run off a dealer's lot by one p*ssed off saleslady. It's all about margin I suppose.

I bought a stripped 4 cyl. 5 spd. S-10 2x4 13 years ago and had a 'lock-rite' put in the rear end, that worked pretty darn good for my purposes, but even then that truck had to come another state.

Trying to live within one's means is frowned upon culturally these days, it's just the way it is. Funny how Conservative has CONSERVE as a root. I wish more people would realize that. OK enough soapboxing...

Over and out.

ironglow · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2009, 12:11:29 AM »

Keeptryin;
   I know exactly what you're saying. I also run some Handi-rifles, and for the same reason..K.I.S.S. Keeping things simple, often saves headaches in the long run. I rather prefer to shift gears for myself, and running 4WD on a dry, summer road..strikes me as ridiculous. I had manually adjusted lock-out hubs on my Samurais, which allowed me to avoid spinning the front axles and shafts all the way back to the transfer case when running on dry surface.
  Never could figure why hand rolling windows was such a chore, except for somebody like a rural route postal worker. I would rather have dependable gears rather than electrics, on which most often repairs are often $400 a pop..and they always fail in a a rain or snow storm.
  Do I need carpets to plank my muddy hunting boots on? I never could see the reason for plush floor mats, other than the easily removed and cleaned spot mats.
   I don't beat my vehicles, but drive carefully through rough areas..4cyl engines work well enough. In most off road areas where I go, 10 mph would be about sensible top speed and they do it well. Then too, the 4cyl engines all kept me easily in pace with highway traffic.
   Power door locks..pay hundreds for something I rarely use? When they go "phffft"..bet it's another $400...and they would most likely fail when you have dragged a deer a mile through snow at sub-zero temps. Two out of the three 4WD vehicles I mentioned as having owned, had soft tops..power door locks at a high price, would have been as useful as the swollen udders on a boar hog.
  I could go on, but I never thought these things would have to be explained....

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2009, 02:02:31 AM »

as to the jeep argument ive had them both and presenly own a 4cyl. Ive got about identical gas milage out of both motors. The six is hands down better in power though. As to a stipper truck the closest thing i can think of is a chev full size w/t (wprk truck) they come standard with a 6cyl stick. rubber floor mats instead of carpet and thats about it. Buddy had one and he got about 22 mpg with his. but then my full sized club cab 5.3 liter loaded chev gets 21 so your really not gaining much in the mpg area. thing is you can get one a hell of a lot cheaper then a loaded z71

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 04, 2009, 09:56:31 AM »

Quote from: KeepTryin on December 03, 2009, 03:59:00 PM

They SAY they make the Colorado in a 4 banger configuration in 4x4 but they really don't BUILD any of them. I went through the whole 'locate a vehicle' thing with GM and they didn't actually have any, anywhere. Then they started sending me email after email about loaded to the gills models they had available on lots. And V-8's. Groan.

I give up. I asked about ordering a stripped Tracker some years back and basically got run off a dealer's lot by one p*ssed off saleslady. It's all about margin I suppose.

I bought a stripped 4 cyl. 5 spd. S-10 2x4 13 years ago and had a 'lock-rite' put in the rear end, that worked pretty darn good for my purposes, but even then that truck had to come another state.

Trying to live within one's means is frowned upon culturally these days, it's just the way it is. Funny how Conservative has CONSERVE as a root. I wish more people would realize that. OK enough soapboxing...

Over and out.

I have seen a 4x4 Colorado with the 2.8 in it. I remembered after I turned off the computer last night. It was a couple of years ago, at a big yearly sale that all the dealers do a local university during the summer. 2.8, 4x4, extended cab. Plain dark green. Nice looking truck. I thought about test driving it, but I wasn't the one shopping, so I never did.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2009, 01:12:48 AM »

i was told yesterday by my buddy that the w/ts no longer have the 4.3 6 cyl but come standard with the 4.8 v8. He said they actually bet better gas milage then the 6s did.

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on December 04, 2009, 02:02:31 AM

as to the jeep argument ive had them both and presenly own a 4cyl. Ive got about identical gas milage out of both motors. The six is hands down better in power though. As to a stipper truck the closest thing i can think of is a chev full size w/t (wprk truck) they come standard with a 6cyl stick. rubber floor mats instead of carpet and thats about it. Buddy had one and he got about 22 mpg with his. but then my full sized club cab 5.3 liter loaded chev gets 21 so your really not gaining much in the mpg area. thing is you can get one a hell of a lot cheaper then a loaded z71

Tonk · « **Reply #17 on:** December 06, 2009, 03:02:15 PM »

Well I got an older Chevy 3/4 ton 4 x 4, once called BAD ATTITUDE-!!! Yeah, it was a pulling truck with a 400 small block reworked that we used pulling at the county fairs etc. I would be willing to part it out or just sell the whole truck as is mind you.

We turned it into a wood truck, hauling wood out of the woods and it handled that job like a knife going through hot butter. Anybody interested just send me one of those PM messages ok.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #18 on:** December 06, 2009, 03:44:23 PM »

There are a bunch of farmers in my area that use the Suzuki 4X4 for field sprayers. After a few years on the farm they are pretty trashed

bilmac · « **Reply #19 on:** December 07, 2009, 04:25:53 AM »

When I bought my last truck, I wanted a late model used regular cab, manual tranny, and a small V-8. I wasn't particular about brand, I've owned and driven them all, and they are like people, there are good ones and bad ones amongst all the brands. I must have looked at thousands of adds on the net before I located just two. One was about 700 miles away and the other about 300. Ended up driving to Salt Lake to get what I wanted.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 07, 2009, 08:05:25 AM »

Well, what was it?

KeepTryin · « **Reply #21 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:42:23 AM »

Kyelkhunter, that's cool you saw a Colorado 4 banger in that configuration, kind of a rarity as far as I can tell!

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #22 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:56:42 AM »

Ford makes some real low priced full size 6cyl. cluch pickups . Check the insurance and gas mi vs a mid size and you might find it a better deal. some as low as $14000.00 or so . We have some 1/2 ton trucks empty get close to 20 mpg and I drove a 3/4 ton Dodge empty that got 18 mph

bilmac · « **Reply #23 on:** December 07, 2009, 09:58:36 AM »

2000 Dodge 4x4 with the last of the 318s. Need the V-8 to pull my boat or camper. I'm kind of disappointed in the transmission. It is rough and hard to shift. Don't know if that's Dodge's best or the previous owner abused it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #24 on:** December 07, 2009, 10:04:30 AM »

the ones we are having good mpg with are himi's