Hi everybody. Long time lurker first time poster. I recently built an 85 xtra cab pickup for a hunting truck mostly for gravel roads and cut lines. I am looking to build something a little smother or softer I guess. I am very new to the Yota world and need all the help and advice I can get. Looking to start fresh with a whole new truck, is there better years for softer riding for what I am looking to do? I was also thinking of doing a motor swap at same time to give me more power for the hwy. as my 22re can not get me up the hills in my area (Canadian Rockies). So basically looking to build a small ultimate hunting truck so please give me all suggestions, ideas and tips you have and I will try and answer all questions as fast as possible as I'm looking to buy a new truck ASAP and have ready by summer. Thanks

 

Ok i can understand the build it yourself thing .

Just what kind of skills and place to work do you have??

Have you given any thought to perhaps starting with around a 1999 Tacoma 3.4 4x4

My Tacoma takes me where I need to go most often with 1000 pounds in the bed.

This gives you a good platform and cuts down on the engine swap

Do you want auto or manual??

Do you need or want a Solid front axle?? Some say they ride good I think they drive like a truck.

Is this also going to be your commuter vehicle driving back and forth to work??

 

Keep what you got put a 3rz, 3.4l,buick 3.8 or chevy 4.3 in it. Or maybe just regear it
There's a lot of things you can do to make it ride softer as well, if its stock

 

Trick to softness is matching damping with spring rates. I've always found the Bilstien shocks specific to a rig to be the most comfortable.

Rich

 

Well this really took off