Cheap mudder
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Cheap mudder
Hi everybody,
A good friend and myself are looking to buy/build a cheap mudder. We were looking at mid 70's to early 90's broncos, 150's to 350's, and the GMC/Chevy equivalents. This will be for offroad only, so I'm looking at:
-solid leaf-sprung axles
-6" lift minimum
-lunchbox type lockers (welded front?)
-35"+ tires
-auto tranny (not my choice)
Any pointers or ideas as to what vehicle would be better than another? I'm looking for a 1 ton pickup in Ford or Chevy flavor with solid axles F/R, but what about a bronco/blazer type? There may be some trail riding in the future, but that's down the road.
A good friend and myself are looking to buy/build a cheap mudder. We were looking at mid 70's to early 90's broncos, 150's to 350's, and the GMC/Chevy equivalents. This will be for offroad only, so I'm looking at:
-solid leaf-sprung axles
-6" lift minimum
-lunchbox type lockers (welded front?)
-35"+ tires
-auto tranny (not my choice)
Any pointers or ideas as to what vehicle would be better than another? I'm looking for a 1 ton pickup in Ford or Chevy flavor with solid axles F/R, but what about a bronco/blazer type? There may be some trail riding in the future, but that's down the road.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by F1rocco-NY
Pre 80 Ford 79 and before...I like the Broncos wheelbase of 106"...But find a 78-79 F250 with a 8 lugs is a good start..........
IF you could find a 79 F350 4wd w/ a 460/C6 NP205 you'd be set.
D60s could handle 35s without a problem, and the 460 would be a good stock engine, and the C6 is very strong and would handle mud fine.
If you got a 76 77 78 79 F150 or 78 79 Bronco they came with disc breakes and can fit 33" tires stock, and w/ a 4" lift would look great with 35-36" tires, and the 1/2 ton drivetrain would handle those tires in the mud w/ ease.
You can check out my Bronco to get a Idea.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...?userid=267137
When I put on my 36s I could of added a front leveling kit and cut the fenders and I would of had a good bit of clearence, but decided to put on a 6" lift and keep my fenders for now.
Last edited by MBBFord; May 9, 2006 at 10:07 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
From: Coutts Canada
Unless you're going to be pushin some power go with a manual as autos just suck up to much power. Also cut fenders do wonders, as i've found they let the tires clean themselves way better, also 35's and a dana 44 will survive quite well. Lockrights will save you money, but if its mud only then weld er' up or mini spools/spools and the next best option.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
check out my gallery, 76 f100 gives the short wheelbase, 4" lift gives room for the 35"s. I just have a little 390 though 
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 228
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From: USA_NY
The more I think about...For a Mudder Id rather of had an 78-79 F250 8 lug...This way when you find the dana 60 its a bolt in mod...As well as no need to buy new rims due to going from 5 lug to 8 lug...Headers etc....I have the D60s but my tires are still good so I havent done the mod in 2 yearS...So if you had a stocker you could buy some rims and tires and when you found the 60...Just swap it in...F150s and Broncos were coil fronts...Much more work....
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by F1rocco-NY
F150s and Broncos were coil fronts...Much more work....
But like you said, the 5 lug and 8 lug difference would have to call for new rims.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: USA_NY
I really like the coils and would have it no other way...But if I just wanted to beat it till it died for my cheapest non streeted fun vehicle...I think weed be better with leafs to swap the 1 tons...And should have a drivetrain that is pretty plentiful in your area...there are alot of old 75-82 Fords out here that usually go untouched...
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