So I have been on the lookout for an off road rig and have two different rigs I'm interested in. Both are about he same distance away too.

Ones a 1977 highboy,
$950 obo he already told me he would take 800 but I think I can get him to 700
good: runs, drives, good drive train and body
Bad: needs a bed of some sort, shortened frame, 4wd left hub is bad, needs battery

The other: 1994 f250 turbo diesel
$800 obo I think I can get it for $600
Good: body, suspension, frame, 4wd
Bad: needs a clutch, transmission needs to be put in, engine can idle good but doesnt after idle (he thinks its a computer problem), check engine light is on, needs bed and front bumper

I know they're kinda oranges and apples but if you were in my position what you rather have for an off road project and why?

Thanks for the input.

 

I'd rather have the highboy. They're more unique, make for a better off road rig (a diesel is kind of a huge heavy truck to be mudding in), and a trans will be pricey. By shortened frame do you mean it's a short bed, or it was a long bed then he decided to make it shorter?

 

I would rather have the 1977, there is less to go wrong ( less sensors, no turbo, and it has a straight axle) and from the sounds of it the 1977 needs less work. Also from my little experience with off roading, diesels are heavier than gas trucks, and therefore get stuck easier.

 

Yea it was shortened to become a crawler project... I saw a sick '93 powerstroke crawler and thought if I could get my hands on a powerstroke in our trucks generation then I was gona start my build.. but the highboy seems more practical

 

If your planning on a crawler you'll want the 77 with the solid axle up front.

 

I vote for the 77, it sounds like it needs much less than the 250.

 

Just found out the f250 just needs a clutch and trans put in and the engine runs but takes 5 seconds for the engine to rev to 3k...

Im not really lookin for a crawler as.much as something Badass that can get me to the gun range and mudding areas and have a little fun . But could be parted out onto my f150 if I want to. Both the highboy and f250 can but in different ways

 

Would still go Highboy, personally....but you seem to be leaning towards the diesel so whatever floats your boot

 

Trying to stay objective here

but the diesel forum people of course are saying diesel and diagnosing what's wrong.

And the owner keeps sending me emails as he dives into the problems with the diesel

 

Guess it depends on how much money and time you have to work with. A diesel would be cool no doubt but does your intended application for it really justify diving into such a big project? Aside from fixing the hub on the 77 it's pretty much good to go whereas the 250 is going to need far more money put into it before you can use it. Not trying to dissuade you from what you want, just hoping that you think about the options first. Not to mention I personally think the 77 would be awesome to have, that era of truck was built very solid.