Build A Cheap Truck From The Junkyard - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

Tough times call for BELT tightening, penny pinching, and perhaps a temporary end to our big-buck spending. However, that doesn't mean we have to neglect our need to build an off-road rig or ignore the dream of buying an old trail jalopy. If you're as keen a shopper as we are, then you know there are some great deals on cheap rigs right now. We've been eyeballing 4x4s on the Internet for months. These are the same vehicles that sold a year or two ago for thousands of dollars more.

Since you have a copy of 4-Wheel & Off-Road in your hands, we assume you know something about four-wheel-drive vehicles-which ones work, which ones don't, and which ones you wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole. So you know better than to run out and buy the first rig with a 4x4 badge on the side. Being thrifty consumers, we know that finding a running 4x4 truck or SUV for around $1,000 is commonplace. We found some amazing deals on four-wheel-drive vehicles in the Midwest on Craigslist. Picking one up would be a cheap date, since a one-way flight to almost anywhere in the U.S. is now around $100-yes, we did our math. A drive home from anywhere in the Midwest in an old truck is more than a blast; it's an adventure.

Looking through websites for different parts of the country, we found running 4x4 Fords, Chevys, Dodges, SUVs, and Jeeps commonly priced under $2,000, and some were under $1,000. These are beaters, nothing pretty, but we wouldn't hesitate to give them the once-over and head into the sunset with our newfound friend. There's also an abundant supply of later-model 4x4s available for $10,000 or less, but we're looking for trail beaters, not show trucks.

Some of the best deals around have always been junkyard finds. With our economy in a tailspin, these treasures are an even better steal since scrap yard owners are more willing to negotiate prices. Scrap yards are not only a great place to find you next trail rig, but also the parts to fix it. It doesn't hurt to shop around. Call before you stop by and ask about a negotiable price. Knowing what vehicles are going for will give you some haggling leverage. Keep in mind that impulse buying is almost never smart. Remember what your mom always told you: "Do your homework."

A '78-'79 Ford Bronco is always a good find. These Fords only came with V-8s (351 or 400), tough trannies (NP435 manual or C6 automatic), and bulletproof transfer cases (NP205 or optional NP203). Rear axles were always 31-spline 9-inchers, while the solid fronts were Dana 44s with high-pinions.
A '78-'79 Ford Bronco is always a good find. These Fords only came with V-8s (351 or 400),
Another staple vehicle in the budget build food chain is the Jeep Cherokee XJ. These Jeeps are plentiful and cheap. They share the same unibody problem as the Grand Cherokee, but aftermarket suspensions, parts, and accessories are plentiful.
Another staple vehicle in the budget build food chain is the Jeep Cherokee XJ. These Jeeps
Treasures like this clean old Chevy C/K are a sweet find. The '70s truck was fitted with a 400ci V-8, three-speed TH400 transmission, and NP203 transfer case. Just the drivetrain alone is worth more than the whole running truck. With a simple leaf spring lift and wheels and tires, this truck is ready for off-road adventure.
Treasures like this clean old Chevy C/K are a sweet find. The '70s truck was fitted with a

We are hearing about free truck deals like this one more often in these tough times. This clean old Chevy was given away because it was just taking up room and needed some repairs. After a minor tune-up, belts, hoses, and a new battery, this four-wheel-drive truck is now a dependable daily driver.
We are hearing about free truck deals like this one more often in these tough times. This
Solid-axle Toyotas like this '85 extended cab pickup are highly sought after in certain parts of the country. These mini-trucks can easily be built into incredibly capable trail rigs, especially with the number of aftermarket parts manufacturers around. Next to the Jeep, these trucks were some of the first vehicles modified for hardcore rockcrawling.
Solid-axle Toyotas like this '85 extended cab pickup are highly sought after in certain pa
The Suzuki Samurai is one of the best examples of a budget-minded 4x4. The little vehicles can be had for cheap and are fun. Aftermarket parts are plentiful, and Samurais can easily be fitted with stronger axles for dependable four-wheeling. We have found a number of these cheapies on the trail fitted with old Jeep leaf springs and Lincoln lockers.
The Suzuki Samurai is one of the best examples of a budget-minded 4x4. The little vehicles

A Chevy 3500 4x4 dualie is an exceptional find because they came with 454ci big-block engines, SM465 transmission, and a NP205 transfer case. These trucks make great flatbed tow rigs and good vehicles to scavenge heavy-duty parts from. Building a dualie into a hardcore trail rig wouldn't be our first choice, but with the right modifications and suspension, a dualie can be used for mild trail running and can make a good camp rig.
A Chevy 3500 4x4 dualie is an exceptional find because they came with 454ci big-block engi
We have met an uncountable number of four-wheel enthusiasts who turned their cheap find into a functional trail rig. The key to keeping a budget beater build cheap is doing the work yourself. This '72 Chevy Blazer we featured in July '09 was purchased at a great price, was completely handbuilt in the owner's backyard, and has given the family years of off-road adventure.
We have met an uncountable number of four-wheel enthusiasts who turned their cheap find in
The '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokees (ZJ) are a great deal. We find them often for under $3,000. That's not a bad price for a roomy SUV that's easily buildable and comes with a front and rear multilink suspension, and they are readily found with the dependable 5.2L V-8. The only downside of the rig is the unibody construction, which is a little difficult to work with when fabricating and welding.
The '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokees (ZJ) are a great deal. We find them often for under $3,00