Top Trucks of All Time
We’ve given our opinion on the best motorcycles ever; now it is time for our opinion on the top trucks of all time. This list is just an opinion, so let us know what you think.
The TJ was smaller and nimbler than today’s Wrangler but represented the high point in Jeep off-road capabilities with its coil-link suspension. It boasted a 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that lifted hard, narrow trails with ease. The long-wheelbase Unlimited models released from 2004 to 2006 were the precursors of today’s four-door Unlimited models. The Rubicon package included Dana 44 axles in front and rear with electronic locking differentials, 31-inch Goodyear mud tires, and ultra-low gearing in its transfer case.
In my opinion, Sporting 18-wheeler exhaust stacks, the Li’l Red Express was part of Dodge’s Adult Toys truck lineup in the late ’70s. In 1978 has to be one of the top trucks of all time. This truck was quicker to 100 mph than any other vehicle. The engineers tweaked a 360 CID V-8 normally used for police duty, and the result was 225 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque- better specs than the best Corvette of that year. The 1978 version did not have the catalytic converter, though the 1979 catalytic model lost nothing in performance nor popularity.
When it comes to the top trucks of all time, you cannot skip over the International’s Harvester Scout, one of the most popular 4WD vehicles in the ’60s and ’70s. Still, the second generation’s larger and more modern models attract enthusiasts today. The Scout II was heavy and versatile, designed to tackle any task assigned to it. The Dana 44 axle came standard after 1974 and disc brakes, making the later years more popular. Options included either a 304 CID V-8 or a hefty 345 CID V-8. After 1976, roomier options were available in the Traveler SUV or Terra pickup versions with an 18-inch wheelbase.
Ford launched the Lightning in direct response to the success of Chevy’s 454 SS, but they responded with heavy fire-power. Tuned by the Special Vehicles Team. This high-performance truck sported a modified 5.8-liter small-block V-8 that produced 240 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. They lowered the suspension and added new shocks, springs, anti-roll bars, and 17-inch tires for a vehicle that outhandled its Chevy competitor. Only 11,000 of the first-generation Lightning trucks were produced; its popularity forced Ford to recommission the model in 1999. Clearly has to be rated as one of the top trucks of all time.
Like the Willy CJ-2A, the Power Wagon was a thinly disguised military vehicle redesigned for civilian use. It represented America’s first civilian 4WD truck. It sported a puny 94-hp, 230 CID inline 6-cylinder instead of the traditional V-8. Rather than relying on huge engines, the Power Wagon got her done with transmission and ultra-low axle gearing. Its massive tires gave the Power Wagon a 10-inch clear, allowing it to haul up to 3000 pounds in the bed. Fully restored Power Wagons are still available today and come in V-8 and diesel engine options. Again one of my choices for consideration is one of the Top Trucks of All time
While Datsun was the first Japanese toe-hold in the American truck market back in the 1950s, Toyota has dominated decades. Toyota offered the first 4WD compact truck with the 1979 Hilux and a nearly bulletproof drivetrain. Exceedingly reliable and offering serious ground-clearance for off-roading, the Hilux became the quintessential compact pick-up.
This cute little number was built on the same wheelbase as the 4-cylinder Jeep CJ-5 of the time. They ingeniously put the engine below the cab! The cab-over-engine (COE) gave the diminutive pickup better maneuverability (the FC stood for Forward Control) and was scary to drive at high speeds. Although its little engine and stocky body would usually top out at 65 mph, the FC-150’s near-360 visibility made it fun to 4WD off-road.
Perhaps the strangest truck ever made, the GMC Syclone took a humble S-15 compact pickup body and put in a 4.3-liter turbocharged V-6 that produced 280 hp and 360 lb-ft. Of torque, beating the Corvette of the time. The Syclone and Typhoon used the same Corvette automatic transmission and shifter, but with All Wheel Drive. You could beat any sports car on the lot by just putting the pedal to the metal, going from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. It couldn’t carry much and couldn’t tow anything, but who cares?
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