Best "old" 4x4 truck for hunting? $5k range.

[ProRoad]

Hey all, I have been thinking about buying an "old" 4x4 truck for hunting. When I say old, I mean, a 5k price range on a truck that works, is somewhat dependable and is most affordable to maintain. This would be a local driver for going up and down the mountain. What brands, models and years have made it thru the years to be a good pick? (prefer American made, full size)

 

[sndmn11]

And 85 efi straight axle Toyota pickup

 

[ProRoad]

funny that was my first 4x4 in the 80s!

 

[Randy11]

If you're okay with it being tiny, the first generation colorado and canyon are surprisingly tough little trucks. The 4cyl especially can be found real cheap.

 

[Craigo]

On Facebook marketplace I found an older model Toyota 4Runner 4x4 with gumbo mudders lifted for 5k used it for years before I sold it. For $5500 Never got stuck, it was a beast

 

[5MilesBack]

And 85 efi straight axle Toyota pickup

My BIL had the '85 xtracab 4x4. My '89 xtracab is much more comfortable and stable. We both had 31x10.50x15's, and I almost rolled his truck the first time I drove it on the highway. Same freeway exchange I'd take every day doing 65 without issue, and his was hopping all over the place trying to maintain the turn. As for 4-wheeling, they'd both go wherever we'd take them.

I don't think I've seen one of those mid to '88 pickups anywhere I've been the last 10+ years. I'll see one of the similar year 4runners every now and then though.

 

[betelgeuse]

On Facebook marketplace I found an older model Toyota 4Runner 4x4 with gumbo mudders lifted for 5k used it for years before I sold it. For $5500 Never got stuck, it was a beast

I have had good luck with the ford rangers I have owned

 

[sndmn11]

My BIL had the '85 xtracab 4x4. My '89 xtracab is much more comfortable and stable. We both had 31x10.50x15's, and I almost rolled his truck the first time I drove it on the highway. Same freeway exchange I'd take every day doing 65 without issue, and his was hopping all over the place trying to maintain the turn. As for 4-wheeling, they'd both go wherever we'd take them.

I don't think I've seen one of those mid to '88 pickups anywhere I've been the last 10+ years. I'll see one of the similar year 4runners every now and then though.

I had an '81 in high school and then an '89 decked out like Marty McFly's in college. The '89 is up at my uncle's cabin as the get around the lake cart. V6 manual on that guy.

 

[K9kodi]

Toyota truck, prior to Tacoma, if you can find an older one w a solid axle you have a bulletproof Time Machine. 22re for reliability

 

[khart_6882]

90’s Nissans get no love, always overshadowed by Toyotas. I’ve beat the holy hell out of a few of those 90s hardbody’s and they held up. They’re usually a lot cheaper than Toyotas and their 3.0 v6 has significantly more power than Toyotas 3.slow

I’m not taking anything away from Toyotas, they’re frickin awesome. But 5grand doesn’t buy much these days besides an 87 yota that some high school kid has been stump jumping