ok guys just got the go ahead from the wife to purchase my first rock crawler (to be.) I'm having a hard time deciding, and need some input on the matter, Frist I have 5k to work with. I have a friend with a 67 ford bronco that needs a little tlc mechanically sound....Or I was thinking about picking up an 87 toyota turbo which is in the same stage as the bronco. I guess the big question is what would you do with the money?? should I spend it all on the vehicle purchase alone or try to find something cheap and use part of the money to build it myself? the bronco can be had for 3k and the toy is 2800. help me here

 

find an early 80s toyota. should be $2000 or less. Sounds like you are keen on building it up yourself, but keep in mind that it's much cheaper to buy one that's already been made trail ready by someone else. With the extra cash, put in a lift, then buy your wheels and tires. soon after, you should re-gear and consider a locker at the same time. once you've got that done and possibly added a winch. you're more than ready to rock!

 

well man, that's a tough decision. I am a yota guy and I always will be. But, all I do every day is restore and build 66-77 model Broncos. The bronco would be more hardcore, but the toyota would be more comfy on the road. I wish I were in your shoes with the cash.

 

Turbos and rock crawling don't really go together do they? You get into something that needs some throttle, you put your foot in it a bit, things seem to be going OK then the turbo lag catches up with the rest of the party and ZOOM! Off to the races LOL!
I may well be wrong, but I wouldn't go the turbo route if you are looking to crawl. If you are looking to play in the mud, that is something else entirely

 

I'm with Sizzlechest, your money will go a lot further with an old Yota or maybe a Samurai. An early Bronco will suck up most or all of your funds and then you have little to nothing left for mods. An early Toyota can be picked up for $1-2000 and then you can add lift, locker(s), tires and dual cases and still be under $5000.

 

im lookin to do the same thing. i found and 85 toy in my dads friends yard he will sell, only catch is that the frame is cracked between the spring hangers on the passengers rear. It runs great and everything esle functions, he last drove it 6 months ago. he will let it go for 200, gonna chop the frame behind the cab, tube it and do links with coilovers, or 1/4 elip. My dad has built link suspensions before and has offered to do all the tube work for me. This time next year i should have a fun buggy to play in.