What's your hunting vehicle?

as the topic indicates, what's your hunting vehicle?
 
 I'm thinking of getting a Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab 4x4. Not sure wether to get the 4 or 6 cylinder.
 
 
 Leo

Probably not a better pick up on the market, but almost $30K, would go with the 6 banger.
 
 I have a 83 vintage, 4 drive, multi gear tranny, 2 stirrup, 2 rein, go anywhere unit in a mule.
 
 
 Problem is I had to get a 98 Dodge Diesel/4WD, 5 sp, Quad cab and 20 ft gooseneck trailer to get him there along with the pack animals & tack. Also have to feed it when not is use. Your way is pobably cheaper.

Anything my hunting buddies own. [Linked Image]

Although for years we used my Dads Ford F-250 crew cab that we put a Mitsubishi 6DS diesel in, and the odd time we use a Dakota 4X4, plus a chevy 3+3 4X4.

Saddlesore,
 
 I think that I'd be able to get the Tacoma Extended Cab 4x4 SR5 V6 for $25K out the door. Just gotta see if Toyota offers their special financing [Linked Image]

I also plan to keep this truck 8-10 years.
 
 Leo

Partsman,
 
 I've done that too. But it it gets old from both sides of the fence. Since I'm going to need a new vehicle either this year or next, might as well think of pickup to help in my hunting endeavors. Great thing is the wife likes pickup trucks [Linked Image]

There's Toyota and then there's everything else. Currently I'm using a tough old 87 Toyota 4runner. My next 4x4 will be a Toyota extended cab V6.

I have a Toyota extended cab from 1995, just over 100k on it now. Only thing I have replaced is tires 3 times, starter, that poor thing had such horrible duty stating and stopping my truck endlessly when I was working on the treefarm. I was surprised it lasted 80K! I have not changed a headlight, dome light, tail light, or any lightbulb yet. I did replace all the belts and hoses last fall just becasue they were old, none had broken since new.
 
 I also replaced the front Bumper with an ARB winch bumper for my winch. I swapped out the ring and pinion gears for higher ratio units because I switched to 16" wheels and 5" taller tires. The new Ring and pinions keep my final drive the same so I have no power loss. Actually I gained 5% in torque because it was as close as I could get in the ratio. When I did that I added a Detroit Locker to the rear axel and a Detroit Tru trac to the front. My current tires are 275-85R-16's BFgoodrich mud terrain. Later this summer I will have to get new tires, theses are about worn out. I will probably go with BFG all terrain TA's. With the limited slip front and the locker in the rear really agressive noisey tires are not needed anymore.
 
 The funny thing to me is that I only have a straight 4 cyl 2.4 liter. With a puny engine like that I don't have enough torque to break any drive line component! Traction is unmatched when compared my stock vehicle. All 4 of my tires really turn with torque to the earth now. Not just one in the front and one in the back like open Diffs or limited slips do. That tiny little 4 banger with that low range selection it will go pretty darn good. May not be good for pulling trailers up over highway mountain passes at 75MPH but that little bugger will get you there if you're patient.
 
 The same trucks are sold in South Africa with lockers and diesels, why not here? I would love to buy a new Toyota 4 door pickup with a diesel engine. Until then I'll just creep along with this little 4 cyl truck. I figure its good for another 100K the way it runs right now.

My 86 jeep is 6 cyl. with 297k miles and doesn't hunt much anymore, till I get the high gear working right again. Its been replaced with a 93 F150, 6 cyl., also 4x4, with 33 inch tires. Its got over 150k and we're going hog hunting this weekend, full moon hunt, but clouds may interfere.

92 Cheverolet Silverado, extended cab 5.7 liter (350 V-8) extended cab with tool box on back. oh yea 4wd automatic.
 
 178,000 miles and climbing, it's my daily driver and my hunting vehicle.
 
 I really need to get my 66 mustang back on the road...

I have a white (doesn't show dirt) 2001, Toyota, Tacoma, extra cab, with Rhino lining, automatic, 4x4, 6cyl. for myself and one friend. For larger group or elk hunting when more stuff is neaded I have a '95 Dodge V10, extra cab, 4x4, automatic, 8.5 ft. camper.

Like JJhack, I have a little 89 Toyota 4 banger 4wd, short cab, Only I have 212K on it. Brakes, starter, tires, front seal, water pump is the only thing it has needed., Figuring less than $700 on all those, It comes out pretty cheap per year.
 The only time I neede a bigger engine was 4 wheeling down in the SW corner of CO. Didn't have enough compression to hold it back even in 4WD low, but it was some nasty country.

I have a '93 GMC 1500 4x4 with a V-8 350 , its my hunting vehicle when i go alone or with one other perosn. When my dad and i go with some buddies we take his 98 GMC 2500 Ext. Cab 4x4 Vortec V-8 .
 YH

I picked up a '96 Ford F150 Ext. Cab 4X4 as my hunting rig last year. Quite a difference from my '85 S10 2X4!!! Didn't need four wheel drive all that much in IN hunting, but learned the advantages of it this past Jan. in AZ!!
 
 For you Toyota lovers, what's your opinion of the Tundra?? They're just made down the highway from where I was born and raised in IN. They sure are purty!!!;)

Leo, I have nothing but praise for the Toyota, my 4-Runner was finaly put to rest after it had achieved slightly over 4 hundred thousand miles. it was an 85 with a four cylinder engine, Replaced the clutch at 220k replaced the exhaust system a couple times the Efi gave up and the transmision was getting kinda loud. The real culprit was rust the body was starting to rust.
 I now hunt with an Isuzu Trooper, the verdict has yet to be rendered, seems like a good rig so far.
 
 Bullwnkl.

I have two. One is an 89 Dodge 3/4 ton w/ Cummins diesel. It carrys my 9 ft. 10 inch Lance Camper. I don't off road anymore with it. I got a Jeep Wrangler for that. The truck has about 260,000 miles on it, and works fine.
 The Jeep is very handy to have. Easy to get into bad places and to scout with. If I break it, I should be able to haul the Jeep home with the truck/camper rig. E

Whatever Muk-luks I got on my feet at the time! ~~~Suluuq

Mine is an 83 chevy 1/2 ton 4X4. Nothing special, it runs great and body is in really good shape. Best part is, its paid for and if it gets thrashed, I'm not out to much. could care less (well, I'd be pissed but I wouldnt lose sleep over it). I just use it to go to work and pull our raft. It has about 160,000 miles on it.
 
 My wife has a 93 chevy 1/2 ton 4X4 and if I ask nicely, she lets me use it. Sometimes its just nice to have a radio [Linked Image]

hers just topped the 80,000mile mark.

Wow! I thought if I mention I want a Toyota pick up for my hunting vehicle, I'd get flame to a crisp.
 
 
 The Toyota Tacoma, I want will also be used as my daily driver. I rack up a lot of miles between work and other driving so I'm glad to hear the Toyotas last loooong time.
 
 JJ, You modified your Toyota quite a bit. The do offer an 4-door Tacoma w/ I-6 automatic only. Get the TRD and you get locking rear diff.
 
 The Tundra would be best with 8 cylinder in extend/acess cab. Suppose to come out with crew cab in 2004.
 
 The 4Runners are also great vehicle, but too expensive for me.
 
 Isuzu Troopers are very good vehicles from what I heard. Reliability right up there with Toyota.
 
 
 Leo

I have a 2000 tacoma 2 door extended cab. I am up to 48K with no problems. Never ha to do anything other than regular services. can not say that about any GM product I ever owned. I have the TRD package and a 6 banger they work really well here in the mountians. I have not had to use the locking diff so far. I have the auto tranny and the auto locking hubs. shifting into and out of 4x4 is great. Here in Denver area we do get snow so the easy shifting is a real benny. I will not ever own anything other than a toyota again. I wish I could talk my wife into letting me get the 4 door model, but I don't think that is going to happen. tom

Leo, I never thought I really did that much to my truck. I guess it's a regional thing? Most guys that spend a fair amount of time in the mountains have to sort through a few things to get it right. As far as the TRD "locking difff" well the ones I have seen are limited slip units with clutch packs. Not for me, you must have high sped wheel spin to get them to latch. they will not work under 10MPH for Toyota's Liability from what Toyota has told me. They are to worried about roll overs or something? I know two people who have smoked those clutch pack as well. To much maintainance with the special oil and the wear and tear. I'll take the after market Detroit 100% gear driven units every time.
 
 Same for the "shift on the fly" auto front hubs. I have personally never known a single person who actually uses their 4X4 as a 4X4 keep them intact. I have had three vehicles with them and not a single one lasted for me. On the Ford I had the dealer changed them three times in the first 60k the first Toyota I had they were smoked and swapped out with manual, same with the Jeep. It's a clever Idea for the highway but don't expect them to last in deep snow or when the only traction you have is with the front tires.
 
 The third set on the ford truck was amusing. The first time out I was high centered on a water bar. Waterbars are local road conditions to allow winter run off of melting snow. Prevents the roads from becoming streams. Anyhow, I pushed that fancy electronic button and felt the front tires turn. However there was a ratcheting sound from the front axel. Reminded me of the cordless drill I have with the torque adjustable collar to prevent sinking sheet rock screws to deep. The truck sat ratcheting away with back tires spinning just barely on the ground and the front tires not moving This little situation happens 3-4 times a week. I bring it back and the Ford service manager says thats the new design! It has an automatic torque limiter to prevent breaking them now.
 
 Great Idea now the only traction you have is torque limited to prevent you from using the front axel! Never again for me. I''l gladly get out and twist my front hubs to engage the front axel. At least I know with the Detroit true trac and the manual hubs both my tires are gonna turn when I push down the gas pedal. I would assume(probably wrong) that they will eventually get that resolved. As I said every single guy I know who really uses a 4X4 has smoked their auto front hubs so the manufacturers must have figured out how to make them work by now. I have not had them since 1998 on the Ford. My partner has a Chevy and replaced his with after market Manual hubs as well.

My hunting, fishing truck is a Chevrolet 1980 3/4 ton suburban, 350 V/8, 4x4, getting a little ragged around the edges but still going stronger than me. Think it will out live me at this point. Has pulled boats and trailers all it's life, well over 200,000 miles uses no oil from change to change, never worked on engine. Can't complain about anything on it, still looks better than me. Got my moneys worth from this one. Would replace with Toyota if necessary, sold my Toy pickup and regret it. -- no

JJ,
 
 Not sure about the locking rear diff in the TRD package. If what you say is true, then Toyota shoud came the limit rear slip diffy.
 
 I've never owned a truck before or 4x4 so my knowledge is quite limited in that area.
 
 Do you think it's worth get the TRD package then?
 
 Leo

94 Toyota 4X4 extra cab, 90K miles, including a 3500 mile exodus from CA to AK pulling a ~2 ton trailer. Only additions have been a smitty tubular rear bumper with trailor hitch, and a fiberglass shell. Only problems have been front disks warped, and the horn and dome light went out. I've replaced the headlights twice, but due to rock damage. Change the oil over 3k, keep er full and upright, and it keeps on running.
 
 Does duty as daily commute vehicle, and the hubs are locket in ~ 1/2 the year.
 
 Me thinks it's about time to change all the hoses, belts, and battery, as well as doing something about the horn and dome light.
 
 I did mount a pair of seats subura brat style in the bed, makes it a bit more versitile as the family ride, though with 3 kids, and 2 rear seats, they fight over who gets to play tail gunner.

Stole my 21 year old daughter's 1990 Jeep Wrangler last year. Has a 4 banger with a 3" lift kit and 31x10.50 tires. Only thing that would have been better is if I'd taken the hardtop off. I've gotten into trouble putting four wheel drive vehicles into places they shouldn't go ('64 Jeep Pickup with a 302 and '84 S10 Blazer) and have reached the conclusion that the only thing a powerful engine does is help me get stuck faster!
 I just picked up a 1988 Isuzu Trooper LS and will use it this year. Fuel injected four banger with a narrow body and a spartan enough character to not worrow about abusing it a little. Can't take the top off it however! I do think I'll pop a sunroof in it though.
 I love the turning radius of the Jeep. I had the Jeep in 4WD low a lot last year and there were few places it wouldn't just walk in and out of with the 4cyl.
 If I lived in a part of the country where the roads weren't so overgrown I'd have an early Blazer where the top comes all the way off. But I'd feel so bad scratching the sides up here in the GreatNW that I'd never take it out.

It just saddens me to see a lack of the old classics. You know, trucks with character.
 
 Mine is a 1971 Chevy Blazer. Lifted, big tires, loud exhaust. No computer. No auto locking hubs. No anything that you don't need. Even an idiot like me can fix almost any problem it will ever have.
 
 I used to have a 70 blazer. After hauling around a really rank, full in the rut buck, my wife and kids refused to ride with me. I'm looking for another for the 71. [Linked Image]

I have had three since I got out of college and could make payments.
 
 first was a Jeep CJ-7 until the family numbered more than two.
 
 It was replaced by a 1985 Chevy Blazer. Drove it for over 200,000 miles.
 
 Thought the Blazer was so good I would just stay with a Chevy and bought a 1998 Z-71 extended cab. So far I am not disapointed.
 
 I would love to have another Jeep or an old Bronco some day. They are just too fun.

Mine, is a 1967 Ford Bronco Pick-up with the following modifications:
 4 inch lift
 35 inch mudders
 302 (replaced six banger)
 456 gears
 Detroit locker rear
 Tru trac in the front
 Power steering
 Winch that can be located front or rear
 
 Tow it in behind dads Turbo Diesel F-350 4x4

leomort,
 
 I too was under the impression that the 2001 and later TRD Tacomas had an electrically actuated rear locker. I think it would be wise to research this fully.
 
 As for me, I'm the lone Nissan 4x4 driver here. I've had nothing but pure reliability with the two I've owned so far, but I'm probably going to sell the first (an '87) to get an older Jeep.
 
 Scott

leomort, here's another Nissan driver. Mine's a 96 pathfinder with auto everything. No complaints at this point.
 
 If I did the serious 4wd work that JJ does, I'd mimic his rig exactly. I don't push the envelope that much, though I do have to use 4wd once in a while.
 
 I did have an Isuzu Trooper II with manual hubs that I really liked. It's got over 200K now with nothing but standard minor problems. The guy who owned it before me let it get low on coolant and cracked the head, which he replaced. On this rig I was really glad it had the EFI 4 cyl as opposed to the small 6 offered. I like the 4cyls, but I always drive slow anyway.
 
 The thing I really like about the Pathfinder is that you can drive up, put the seats down, and sleep for the night in a matter of minutes. I carry a sheet of netting and let the left windows down, then shut the netting in the doors to keep skeeters out. Very convenient when you want to be in the woods a couple hours before sunup. I could do the same with a pickup and shell, but I don't really like shells.
 
 There are a lot of good SUVs and trucks in the used market around here. I found mine in Truck Trader. I would not consider a new one. I did shop hard before I bought, looking for the right deal and the right seller -- a maintenance professional with all the rig's records and enough gray hair that I knew he wasn't a tire smoker. I replaced an Oxy sensor but consider that normal. I get 20 mpg in summer and about 18 in winter round town. Could be worse.
 
 I have 3 children, so my hunting rig is my living rig. If not, I'd go JJs route.
 
 Jeff

If Toyota has made available the Electronic rear locker then it's the same as the South African design which has been used there for at least the last 6 years. How about the front ? still have to go aftermarket anyway I guess. I'm not much for electronic transmissions, transfercases, or diffs, but its a move in th right direction to put in a real locking axel!

94 Ranger Extended cab, 2 wheel drive, 4.0Liter V-6,(Had an 86 CJ-7 When I bought it) 178,000 miles only work was due to a wreck I wasn't at fault in. I keep thinking the clutch will give up the ghost, but it still runs just like new! I will probably replace this truck with a 4x4 Tundra when the time comes..They are going for $26,000 new around here in 4WD.
 
 My two feet are the most used hunting vehicle! I hunt mainly on a WMA with gravel roads and the private property I hunt is bordered by a paved road. I have debated on getting a 4 wheeler instead of a new truck and haven't completely ruled it out yet.
 
 Mike

'92 Toyota truck until 3 months ago. Sold it to my son cheap ( doing him a favor ) after putting 151,000 miles on it. New starter and one u-joint were the only repairs I've put into it. Bought a '97 Toyota T-100 extended cab ( not 4-wheel drive I'm sad to say ) that has more room for all my gear. Plan on seeing just how many miles a Toyota can go with this one.
 
 Jeff

F250 4x4. Manual tranny.
 
 My only vehicle.
 
 MM

1986 Chevrolet Caprice. This car has a nice big trunk that will take a animal up to about 400 lbs. It's comfortable to ride in and everything is locked in the back.
 
 I really have no use for pickup trucks. To each his own.
 
 As to four wheel drive. I really don't like to ride with a owner of a four wheel drive vehicle. They always get stuck. I never get stuck.

Toyota Tacoma-2000-extend cab-V6--second Toyota great trucks!
 
 "GET TO THE HILL"
 
 Dog

Sold my 85 Toyota 4X4 PU(Had 230,000 miles). Just bought a new 2002 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 4X4, heading up to Reno, NV in the morning to pick it up. I went with the V-6, manual 5 speed OD and LX pkg(SR5) No rear differential locker. I did get AC, tilt wheel, cruise, tach, 3 in 1 CD stereo. Purchase price was $21,000. I did not go with the TRD pkge, too many more things to break in the long run in my opinion. I will out fit this truck with AR alloy wheels, BF goodrich Mud N Snow for the winter and a seperate wheel set with BF goodrich all-terrains for spring & summer. Rhino bedliner, matching Vista shell for the bed. K&N air filter, flowmaster muffler for the engine.
 
 I bought this truck from a Nevada dealer, the Calif dealers were too stiff, not very flexible. All they wanted to sell me were the fully loaded yuppie models with automatic transmissions. The Tacomas are 50 state emissions so no problem there. The model # for my truck is 7553 if you are interested. I better go to bed now before I screw up this post like my last one. Mtn Htr

Don,
 
 There is a lot of wisdom in your words.
 
 I grew up in rural central Montana. 15 miles from a hardtop road. A 4x4 is a real necessity if you want to get around in the winter. I'm not into "off roading". But I like the 4x4 for driving in snow/icy/muddy conditions. Nothing like an ungraveled road after a rain. We call it gumbo.
 
 MM

2000 F350 4x4 crew cab turbo diesel, short bed. Fantastic truck. Since I haul horses, hay, etc. the full size truck is a must. It'd occassionally be nice to have a little toyota to manuever around the woods, I don't shed too many tears about a few scratches in the big truck. It's meant to work and it works great.
 
 I am in and out of 4wd at LEAST once a day. I live up in the mountains and use the heck out of it just getting to the house and the barn. Use the shift on the fly, though I have locking hubs too. It's never let me down so far. The F150 4x4 extended cab I replaced never saw the shop either. I've always had excellent luck with Ford trucks, so can't imagine I'd try anything else, unless I ever decide on a small truck, which is unlikely.

I like Fords too.
 
 Over the years I've had 3, they have all been reliable.
 
 A '79 F150 4x4, 8' bed, standard cab 4-speed manual, 351
 
 A '90 full size Bronco 4x4, 5-speed manual, 4.9L
 
 And now '01 F250 4x4, 8' bed, standard cab, 5-speed manual, 5.4L
 
 Just about anything is a compromise between maneuverability, payload, towing ability. Someday I wouldn't mind having a smaller dedicated hunting rig, but for an all-arounder, I like the standard full-size pickup format.
 
 MM

Finally, some good, old Detroit iron.
 
 All of mine, (5), have been Ford pickups.Two F-100's, an F250, and the last two, F-150 standard cab short beds. The last three have all been 4X4 and had 8,000 lb Ramsey winches and very aggressive tires. The tires have gotten a little shorter and a lot narrower with experience. I especially like the SWB for maneuvering in the ugly stuff though I tend to run out of room in the cab very quickly. This latest one is the only one that hasn't had a canopy and I don't know why for sure. Too cheap I guess. We do use the wife's Explorer on occasion, but, with more caution and more concern for the conditions.
 
 Brother and nephews run full size GMC and Chevy P/u's. Good friend runs a 3/4 Dodge standard cab. I really can't think of anyone just offhand here who doesn't run a full size Detroit rig, except one neat little older Bronco.
 
 2D

loemort,
 
 I hunt with a 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have 104,000 on it and it is equiped with a 4.0 six cyl, auto tranny with a quadra trac 4x4 transfer case. It runs great off road and even better on the road. It has plenty of room for my gear, Clients, and the kill. If I run out of room which has yet to happen, I got a roof rack to put stuff on.
 
 I have not found a better set up than the one I have right no. I have had a 87 Toyota Xcab with a 4 banger, not bad if its you and a buddy, not much room for anything else though. I have also had a 78 Chevy Silverado, great truck, but kinda tough on the gas. Drank it like a drunk drinks beer.
 
 Over all, my Jeep, gets 21mpg Highway, and 18mpg city. In the mountains, I get anywhere from 15 to 17 depending on the amount of hard uses. The only other vehicle other than a Grand Cherokee I would probably get, is a Chevy Silverado. They are great.
 
 That is my hunting rig, and I would back it 100% it has not let me down so far.
 
 86

Some more questions for yo guys. Do you prefer a manual or automatic in your 4X4 pick-ups?
 
 Also why do you favor a pick-up over a SUV?
 
 
 
 Leo

You'll know why as soon as you haul a dead animal in the back of an SUV. I hauled an elk in my blazer for a five hour drive several years ago. I decided that between the "bouquet" and the bloodstained carpet, a pickup was an attractive alternative.
 In defense of SUV's, the weight distribution gives them some advantage in dicy off-road conditions, as well as offering indoor storage for rifles, ammo, etc., in the event of a tent camping hunt. My option originally was an SUV and a utility trailer, but you are still faced with hauling a carcass inside, at least back to camp in many cases.
 8ball

I used to favor the manual transmissions for their strength, reliability and those really low gears.
 
 Now I go for the automatics in 4X4 with the two speed transfer cases.
 
 I think what really changed my mind was getting into situations where I was doing a whole lot of close quarter maneuvering. When I'd get in too far or too deep I was wearing myself out shifting and clutching. I sort of stumbled into my first automatic and have stuck with them ever since. That's been over twenty years now.
 
 And I'll add a ditto to hauling critters in the SUV. They do get a bit rank if you're going very far.
 
 2D

I much prefer a P-U over an SUV. I've owned an International Travelall, and an IH ScoutII. They aren't as flexible, or usefull as a pickup. You need to put a shell on the PU for practical uses, like waiting out a nasty storm, and keeping your gear dry, but that's all.
 I got an automatic on my ScoutII. I have one in my Cummins Dodge. They take more abuse, and handle heavy loads/going better. There is nothing better for crawling over rocks.
 My Jeep is a 5 speed stick. It's OK. Works great.
 BTW, I've never bought other than stock tires, and used stock rims. It just a matter of learning how to drive.
 I am talking lots of desert driving here. Where everybody says you must have big tires.
 All they do is add more stress to your running gear, suspension, and brakes.
 They are a big mistake if you carry a full size camper. E

2001 Ford F350 XLT 4X4 PowerStroke Diesel, no complaints here.

Have you considered getting a hitch hauler ? They can carry 500 pounds outside your truck. I like mine.

Just to throw a twist into this thread, I thought I show my hunting rig...
 
 Here's me next to her sixty miles from any road system...
 
 [Linked Image]

and her waiting, riding the anchor, while we hunt...
 
 [Linked Image]

Now, if Pak would just post some pictures of his airplane...