 SOT: Tow Vehicles, Here's what I'm looking at today. |
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| McMark |
 Feb 20 2006, 10:05 PM
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#1
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914 Freak!  Group: Retired Admin Posts: 20,179 Joined: 13-March 03 From: Grand Rapids, MI Member No.: 419 Region Association: None  |
I'm kind of looking around for possible tow vehicles. I've been looking at new trucks since January, but I think the pricing just doesn't quite match with my financial situation. So now I'm looking at used options. It changes from day to day, but today I'm looking at two options:
1. Pre-Smog Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 (IMG:http://a.im.craigslist.org/0w/Vz/Ci7sfqSDXK5fLjzmXcCGvSrVtDXf.jpg)(IMG:http://b.im.craigslist.org/2j/k2/npLjT3zyPrL2ziomC0oyACTjkm9b.jpg) If I got one of these it would be a running project. This would be more along the lines of a "who cares what it looks like it's a truck" line of thinking. They're selling for $3k - $5k and are worth $10k or more when they're restored. Definite value there. 2. Early 90's Range Rover (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-11-1140494890.jpg) I just today realized how cheaply these can be picked up. Luckily there is a Rover shop down the street from me, so I'll pick his brain tomorrow. These can be had for almost the same price $3.5k - $6k. Much more luxury and a nicer look, but parts are expensive and cars of this age tend to scare me that major things will start to go wrong as soon as I buy it. I'm not afraid of working on them, but if I buy something like this, I'm not looking for a project that I'm working on more than driving. Very very bad gas mileage. 13 MPG in town. Any opinions on these two options? Any experiences? |
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| boxstr |
Feb 20 2006, 10:07 PM
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#2
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MEMBER:PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION Group: Members Posts: 7,522 Joined: 25-December 02 From: OREGON Member No.: 12 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
I would run away from the Rovers. I have a few friends who had them and they couldn't give them away. Look at the Toy or maybe a Jeep.
CCLINTOWMAINPOISONING |
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| DanT |
Feb 20 2006, 10:12 PM
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#3
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Going back to the Dark Side! Group: Members Posts: 4,300 Joined: 4-October 04 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 2,880 Region Association: None |
Go for the FJ. Nice retro truck. Should be a good tow vehicle and since it is pre-smog a Chevy crate motor would slide right in.
Lots of parts and conversion materials around for it versus the Range Rover. Can you say Lucas Electrics? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif) |
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| Trekkor |
Feb 20 2006, 10:13 PM
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#4
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I do things... Group: Members Posts: 7,809 Joined: 2-December 03 From: Napa, Ca Member No.: 1,413 Region Association: Northern California |
A buddy of mine had an early Toyota with a SBC conversion. That the one you need.
The All GM recyclers up in Rancho Cordova sell the motors for $750 with a 6 month warranty all day long. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) KT |
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| GaroldShaffer |
Feb 20 2006, 10:17 PM
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#5
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You bought another 914? Group: Benefactors Posts: 7,622 Joined: 27-June 03 From: Portage, IN Member No.: 865 Region Association: None 
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I like the looks of the Toyota better myself. I think Seanery had a Range Rover a while back. If I remember correctly he had problems with the airbag suspension, Sean you out there. I know it wasn't cheap.
I have a 03 Dakota Quab cab that has towed many a 914 and one 911 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) . No problem with it, but I would get a V8 mine's a V6 and its does the job but I wouldn't want to tow with a car behind up and major hills with it. Attached image(s) 
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| seanery |
Feb 20 2006, 10:18 PM
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#6
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waiting to rebuild whitey! Group: Retired Admin Posts: 15,852 Joined: 7-January 03 From: Indy Member No.: 100 Region Association: None |
Having owned a Range Rover, I can accurately report that they are great when under warranty, but they are worthless crap once the warranty expires.
Move on, the Toyota will be a much more logical choice than any Rover ever could be. |
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| GaroldShaffer |
Feb 20 2006, 10:22 PM
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#7
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You bought another 914? Group: Benefactors Posts: 7,622 Joined: 27-June 03 From: Portage, IN Member No.: 865 Region Association: None
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I'll add my 96 F150 with the straight 6 was a great truck. Not bad gas mileage either. I could pull a house with it, man I miss that truck. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sad.gif) Sold it to buy the "family Truck" AKA the Dakota Quad cab. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif)
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| morph |
Feb 20 2006, 10:24 PM
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#8
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quality parts builder Group: Members Posts: 1,828 Joined: 25-November 03 From: oregon coast Member No.: 1,389 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
toyota.good truck many care free miles.
As far as the rover like craig said run.get your check book out when you want parts & they have poor service records my brother has three land crushers and beats them to crap and they keep going. james |
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| KaptKaos |
Feb 20 2006, 10:49 PM
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#9
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Family Group: Members Posts: 4,009 Joined: 23-April 03 From: Near Wausau Member No.: 607 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
/hijack
Out of curiosity, is an El Camino any good for towing? /end hijack |
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| DanT |
Feb 20 2006, 10:54 PM
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#10
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Going back to the Dark Side! Group: Members Posts: 4,300 Joined: 4-October 04 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 2,880 Region Association: None |
Depends on the year, tranny and motor combo. We used to tow a 20foot fully self contained camping trailer with a '70 SS 396. Very gooood. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) I wouldn't think some of the early ones with 2 speed Powerglide auto trannys would be too spectacular. Anything with a 3 speed auto or 4 speed manual should be good depending on the load you plan on towing. I tow a 8,000 pound RV with my 2000 Chevy Suburban with 4:10 gears. Does very well for a small block. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) Sorry about (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/hijacked.gif) in advance. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif) |
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| J P Stein |
Feb 20 2006, 11:10 PM
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#11
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Irrelevant old fart Group: Members Posts: 8,797 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Vancouver, WA Member No.: 45 Region Association: None |
How bout a 91 Ford 3/4 ton w/460.
Tows my car like it isn't even there. I got 13 mpg towing down & back to CA. A good one can be had for 3K or so. It'll never be a classic, tho (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) Attached thumbnail(s) 
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| KaptKaos |
Feb 20 2006, 11:11 PM
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#12
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Family Group: Members Posts: 4,009 Joined: 23-April 03 From: Near Wausau Member No.: 607 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
Thanks Dan. I have been looking at tow vehicles. If I plan to add more cars, I need a way to haul them around. I don't generally like trucks, so I was looking for something a little less truckish. Thanks again. - Joe |
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| VegasRacer |
Feb 20 2006, 11:35 PM
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#13
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ELVIRA Group: Benefactors Posts: 8,507 Joined: 27-March 03 From: Between Scylla and Charybdis Member No.: 481 Region Association: None
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(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif) That is why I picked this set up. A van better suits my needs. It is the only vehicle I own with more than 2 seats. 350 Chevy V8. Transmission cooler. Tows like a champ. Captains chairs & fold out bed. Attached image(s) 
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| TROJANMAN |
Feb 20 2006, 11:56 PM
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#14
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Looks nice in pictures......... Group: Members Posts: 5,271 Joined: 5-March 04 From: Colorado Member No.: 1,753 Region Association: None |
if john's van's a rockin'.............. |
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| messix |
Feb 21 2006, 12:11 AM
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#15
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AKA "CLUTCH KILLER"! Group: Members Posts: 6,995 Joined: 14-April 05 From: between shit kickers and pinky lifters/ puget sound wa.north of Seattle south of Canada Member No.: 3,931 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
the old fj's are great. over built, good axles if not abused, good frames, brakes are ...unique, lots of conversions engines axles steering.
vans a making a comeback. mark my words. |
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| McMark |
Feb 21 2006, 01:09 AM
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#16
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914 Freak! Group: Retired Admin Posts: 20,179 Joined: 13-March 03 From: Grand Rapids, MI Member No.: 419 Region Association: None |
A van keeps popping up as an option. But I really think I'll be more happy with something that has some "character". I think I'll be shopping for an FJ55. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/boldblue.gif) The Rover sounds like a dead end. Kind of what I figured when the prices were so low. I think I could make one work if I really wanted to, but I don't. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)
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| boxstr |
Feb 21 2006, 01:13 AM
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#17
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MEMBER:PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION Group: Members Posts: 7,522 Joined: 25-December 02 From: OREGON Member No.: 12 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
This has served me well for many miles and years.
CCLINTOWJAM Attached image(s) 
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| Porcharu |
Feb 21 2006, 01:19 AM
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#18
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,314 Joined: 27-January 05 From: Campbell, CA Member No.: 3,518 Region Association: Northern California |
I want one of those with a Cummins 4BT. I saw one in a smaller landcruiser. Got over 30MPG plenty of power - loud as hell tho (think of a small FedEx truck) My friends dad had one like that with a stock 327 for cruising Baja he loved it. |
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| groot |
Feb 21 2006, 06:19 AM
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#19
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Dis member Group: Members Posts: 896 Joined: 17-December 03 From: Michigan Member No.: 1,444 |
I like cool tow vehicles... I was towing my Rabbit with a 73 Bronco..... but, at some point I came to realize that I only have a finite amount of time to work on vehicles and my priority is to work on the race car.
So, the question you have to ask yourself is: "Will I be pissed if the race car's ready and the tow vehicle needs work, and the race is this weekend?" Most people (including me) have enough trouble keeping up with the race car. |
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| sharper |
Feb 21 2006, 07:54 AM
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#20
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Member Group: Members Posts: 146 Joined: 5-June 03 From: Woodstock, GA Member No.: 789 Region Association: South East States |
My daily driver is also my tow vehicle. It is a 99 F150 with the 5.4 V-8. It tows great and I'm happy to say I hit 100K miles and it has yet to have a single problem. Before that I had a 90 Bronco with a 350 that would pull a house. I was going 70 towing a boat once when I six foot metal shelf came flying out of the pickup in front of me. The Bronco nailed it and simply crushed it like a bug with the only damage being my high heart rate. That shelf would have been in the windshield of most cars.
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