Over breakfast with some pals I realized that we concentrate way too much on rock crawling, and not nearly enough on good old mud. (as well as sand, and basic trails)

So wonderful readers, should we build a mud truck? and if so, out of what year and make 4x4?

Yes I believe they should build a mud truck.  I know it would probrably never happen but you could build it out of a 1978 Dodge Powerwagon possibly with a big block swapped in.  Prob wont ever happen but would give me some ideas for mine.  Have a good one and keep up the good work on the magazine

Slim

I think an all around build is way overdue. Your sister rag (fauxwheeler) currently running a build called Fiery Redhead (f150). This has been by far one of my most favourite builds, as it is being built for use that is just as happy on the pavement, as on the jobsite, as on the trail. Everything on it is useful to the everyday user; proper gears for tire size, usuable auxilary lighting, hardcore bumpers that acutally have recievers, hidden winch mounts, and intact bed w/o a 39" tire mounted in the middle, and storage solutions. I use my truck as a truck, as does a large portion of your readership.

To further clarify, I don't mean I want to see more brand new trucks with a lift chucked under it, and the newest bolt on winch bumper combo. I understand the need to satisfy the advertisers by showcasing their new products, but most of us who are actually building our own trucks are building stuff thats a decade or more old. Most lifts under brand new trucks are being installed by shops (just like so often in the mag), not by the owner. Anyone, with the money to do so,  can go to the shop and say, "I want a 6" lift with 35's uder my chevy HD", you dont really need a how-to article in the mag for that.   

I had high hopes when the k-10 was purchased for the UA, which were promptly crushed as the frame was magnetized with an affinity for high dollar, pre-fabbed axles and motor. Dont get me wrong, I love the truck in its finished form, but its orginal intention as being a budget build was lost in the wash as a single axle was more than the purchase price of the entire truck. The original idea of "taking a truck this old" on the UA was no longer true, as the only things true to their age were the cab and frame.

The cheap truck challenge...YES! MORE! Welcome to the world of offorading in its purest form; take 1 part junk truck, mix it with 1 part money, and 10 parts ingenuity! Thats's were most of us sit.

As far as rockcrawling, I am impressed by the technology and skill of the drivers, but it is, and never will be for me.

Getting back to trails and mud would keep me more interested. As far as what to build? Something used, pre-95. Something you build...and keep the big dollar stuff away....does a toyota need a dynatrac d60? Or could a d44 from a wagoneer with fresh seals, gears and a locker survive? 

Overbuilding trucks at ever inflating price tags to compensate in marginal skills, or poor decision making (take another line?) is a trend in this sport that that I would like to see fade away.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback.

I'm glad you guys are replying

we haven't done a full blown mud machine in a while, though I would say our project army truck and jerrod's Lawg do qualify as everyday trucks. (the army truck sees miles every week, unless I'm required to drive some late model dork ute for testing) 

yes our UA truck's almost always get blown out of proportion quickly and they are, of course, mostly dream rigs, but every one likes to dream at times, so don't expect this years UA vehicle to be anything less than a full blown dream machine, but for now we are definitely looking at a mud rig in the future, maybe Jerrods Lawg becomes a rig for the goop, or maybe we start with something else.

We know that the late model stuff isn't getting done by most do it yourselfers but like you said it is part of the market.

we try to balance all the tech between late model and earlier cool stuff, cheap junk, daily drivers, and dream machines

though we admit we've been leaning a bit too much on the rocks, and we need to swing toward the mud for a while, watch for it in late 06

also we are thinking about more camping/expedition style building stuff, where you go wheeling for a long weekend (or for a week or more if you can) and carry everything with you, similar to UA but without all the hotels and gas stops

I enjoy the rock crawling, though I prefer to see more home built budget crawlers than turn key production crawlers..

perhaps it is time for a change though.  Would like to see a general trail truck, capable enough for challenging trails, enough storage for gear for the week...etc..  sounds like a Cheverolet Chalet.. never heard of it? do a search.. basically a blazer with a camper shell riding piggyback.  

Mud event coverage is pretty cool, but i dont see many technological advances in this part of off roading.  maybe i am off base here, but its basically BIG engine, BIG lift, BIG tires.. and keep your foot to the floor... how much skill is really involved? maybe i just prefer the skills it takes to pilot a not so built rig over the rough stuff..

either way i will still read it...

i would definately like to see more of the Army truck, (both the CUCV and the m37?).. to keep up with the military theme, you could always purchase a duece box van, and make it a 6x6 motorhome..

I suppose I did skip over Operation Army Truck, and the Lawg, both of which being the exact types of builds I was referring to. I love operation army truck, it's exactly what I am talking about.

The idea of building stuff for a week long camping/'froading trip also keeps me interested, as my work keeps me away from civilization for several days at a time....just me and my truck, what you don't have on board...you had better not need. I love seeing trail fixes, as alot of my time is alone, and the truck has to get me out. McGyver-ize it, as most of us don't have on board welders. I love seeing people's trail fixes for the most awkward of situations, without the proper parts (ie, semi-float axles with broken shaft/retaining clip, slip yokes with busted u-joints/driveshafts).

A hardcore mud rig is overdue too, lets see a bad-... big block spinning junkyard 1 ton axles....and some home brew testing of ideas like ladder bars, home done tire siping, etc.

Love the mag.

I'd love to see a build up on an everday trail truck. Something that has to get you to work everyday but can also take you where you want to go on the weekends. Something that may not be best at one thing but good at everything.(mud,sand,rocks, and pavement).

Maybe a 78/79 Ford Bronco, or blazer,or shortbox chev or ford pu,even a toyota landcruiser. Maybe give it a mild lift,selectable lockers, bumpers,body armor,winch,basic engine/exhaust upgrades,and the racks and storage to carry everything you need for a week of camping.

Just a thought!

Love the mag, keep up the good work!

Mudder would be cool even a rock guy like me would like to see that. Hey by the way hows clampy

Yea, definatly build a mud truck. perferably a short bed 1978 Ford F150

if you can do it but anything would be cool

ya i think that would be awesome.. do something were everyone could kinda come close to affording it...older chevy ford or toyota...   

but keep up the good work...mag is awesome

Hell ya they should build a mud truck. I think that it should be as cheap as possible I mean cheaper than cheap show the readers just how creative you are. I think tha tthe best platform would be a 66 bronco, i mean for 9" rear, dana 44 bolts right into the front. Lifts are easy drop the spring mounts in the front 3" and add an angle iron brace and some blocks or springs in the rear. A 351 W will bolt right in or stay with the high revving 289. Weld the gears instead of a locker, lets keep it really reasonable on this one.  

Hey that is an awesome idea.. and even if they do end up building it that cheap..they could. build one for every type of mudder.....CHEVY ford jeep dodge...do #### like that..

and they could even take readers input on everything...

that would be great but will it ever happen...

HELL NO

 You are totally correct when you say you are concentrating on rock crawling too much. As for some ideas I think you should do a Jeep Commando. I t has a longer wheel base then other jeeps. You'd also have less problems with driveshafts. Another good idea is to do it on a budget.     Just my ideas.  

Go for the mud truck...there are some good ideas here, and follow up on your idea for an expedition-style daily driver/trail rig, too!  Pre-1995, and don't shy away from IFS rigs---Troopers, Rodeos, Monteros, Pathfinders, and 4Runners all make fine trail rides.  Rock crawler's they're not, but great trail rides.  

Mud truck?  Yes...yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Also, it would be really cool to see a truck thats built for sand, but doesn't cost a ton.  I've always thought that an early IFS chevy or ford TTB (both with v-8's, of course) would be a cool way to go for somethng like that.  They are VERY commonly used 4x4's and would (as I see it) excell in the sand because they get good amounts of wheel tavel (plus I kinda have a thing for the boxy pick ups...).