CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

Ive got the pre-runner baja style truck bug here lately. I just really like the low squat aggressive looks. Anyways. what platform (starter truck) would you pick.

Ive got it narrowed down some

1) Newer standard cab, short bed Silverado Chevy p/up. 2wd

2) Toyota, extra cab short bed 2wd

3) Ford Ranger extra cab short bed 2wd


THis is what Id ultimately luv to end up with.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b262/die-tryin/baja_chevy.jpg

i'd say look to where you'd like to prerun. if mexico is the main place go with 4wd.

if it was myself i'd probably go with a yota or ranger... probably an extra cab ranger. they are cheap and everyone makes parts for them. i know everyone has them, but theres a good reason.

btw, i think cst had some problems with there lifts.

you could also do low buck things with the yotas using the longer chevy springs and stuff.

if you like the look then just keep it stock and put some fenders on it, but thatd be dumb.:doah:

also it would be cheaper to buy a truck semi done then piece it all together. the truck just wouldnt be built exactly how you want it, but youd beable to bomb it down the runs right away. check race-dezert.com

Doesn't really matter , pick what you like , your gonna ditch the stock suspension for upgraded pieces or a whole new system anyway :thumb:

ranger if ya want light and full size chevy is ya want power.

I'm leaning toward the Chevy, but I would suggest an extra cab. You'll see why once you try to stuff a rollcage and suspension seats in there. X-cab leaves lots of room, standard cab makes it pretty tight once you put diagonal bars behind the seats. Even worse if you want to squeeze fresh air pump back there for helmets. Sorry, have I gone too far?:weld:

Ranger. Very popular, good entry price, and HEAPS of already made goodies for it.

I'd love a Toyota but oy, their resale prices screw over guys like me who have a budget to work with.

i really like the way chevy pre-runners look

Extended cab '88-'98 chevy...

Cheap, parts are readily available and they're a dime a dozen in junk yards...
You'll get a fuel injected 350 and a decent trans right off the bat.

Woohoo, 2 1/2 votes for Chevy!:D
My reasoning for extra cab Chevy comes from previously having a full-race Toyota. Talk about a tight squeeze. Everybody that rode in it got bruised elbows and shoulders cuz the door and cage are just that close. There's really no way around the fact that narrow cabs are a pain.

Put a Chevy extended cab on a Ford 2wd twin I beam with an aluminum block 502 Chevy. Coilovers and triple bypasses at each corner. 4 link rear, full cage...........etc..........

You did say you were loaded,right?

my vote goes for an 88-98. Saw one on race dezert yesterday. I'll look for it and post a link.


http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=2&md=second&id=17060

Looks broken in but would be great for a fun truck.

where do you plan on driving this truck? in the states? or in mexico? dunes? desert? silt?

concers of gas milage? comfortability(ac and stuff)? the ease of finding parts?

I agree it would be cool to have an awesome 2wd fullsize chevy race truck

but i think for a dedicated prerunner 4wd is the way to go...well if baja is where you want to go. everyone gets stuck in silt! I like the idea of ac on those hot days too. smaller vehicles are easier to build. you dont need as much tubing.

If your going to build a truck first figure what you want...race truck or prerunner, or dune jumper thingy...

oh yea check out pro trucks with 4wd.

I'd love to have a trophy truck or unlimited...

Im basically building a poser truck. I want to look like a prerunner, but not be as sophisticated. I plan to treat like a show truck more or less. But I also want it to be functional. Most of the trails here are sand, thick sand with some washboard areas.

I still want to prerun a suburban. Cut of the back half of the top, glass front end, Long travel 2WD. Trussed 14FF out back on a trailing arm setup. Built big inch Aluminum small block. Fully gut the interior and run four race seats and 5 point harness's. Ofcourse a full cage to the frame. Set the motor back as far as possible. That would be bad ass!

i got a 88 burban body and frame ill sell ya cheap ;)

i got a 88 burban body and frame ill sell ya cheap ;)


I cant finish the projects I have now, Its more of a pipe dream, but thanks anyways. :wink1:

The Rangers lead the way......now for a poser just buy the truck that has the best looking fiberglass available (Ranger there too) but for a competative truck a 2wd Ranger......

You NEED to build a 88-98 chevy there isnt enough of them and if nobody demands the parts nobody will make them.

I say an extended cab 88-98. You could even get the update fiberglass 00-07 styles avaliable to fit the 88-98. for a poser truck just run fabtechs 2wd kit 6" front 4" rear. 3" body lift home made pre runner bumpers , rear cage, light bar, biggest fiberglass fenders and bedsides and finally some 37x12.50 BFG's on beadlock wheels(even fake beadlocks)

This is exactly the direction I wanted to go with my 97. BUT other than lifting the front 4.5" and building the front bumper I didnt get very far (yet?) And it is 4wd!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a202/originalbalzer/77%20gmc/97%20gmc/IMG_0798.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a202/originalbalzer/77%20gmc/97%20gmc/IMG_0799.jpg