New "little" short box daily driver

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gdrill

Left FABO Dec 3, 2025 due to 1BB's attitude
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So I came across a deal too good to pass up. What the heck. Not too often you see a little short box come around, and priced at $1500!! So I scooped it up. The guy was driving it daily, and just did a bunch of work to it including a rad, water pump, hoses, brake cylinders, muffler and exhaust. It's a 1988 and it's got a V6 / auto, not sure what trans, with an 8 1/4 diff. He said it was sure grip as well. I haven't checked yet, but there is a tag on it that says 3.2 (gear ratio?). She's a fairly plain truck, but in not too bad of condition. A little rust over the passenger rear wheel, pass door and lower pass fender. I'll clean those spots up while I use it and who knows, maybe someday............big block!
 

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Thanx all. I am pretty happy with it. It should be a great little burn around unit. Always wanted a short box pick up!
 
Today I got it inspected, insured and registered in my name. Now the slow process of replacing parts and pieces while being a daily driver begins.
 
Congrats! :thumbup: That's a really nice find at a good price.

I've been casually looking around for a similar truck, with a slant 6. Also looking at some older Chevies and Fords with straight sixes.
I have to say that I'm really leaning toward and older Ford with it's 300 cubic in. inline and, but mostly because if it's virtually indestructible twin I-beam front suspension.

I have some property in W.Va., and I'm looking for a truck that I can leave there as a service truck. I already have an old full size trail Duster 4x4 there, but it doesn't have a lot of hauling capacity. It is fun to "off road" with, though.
 
Found some rims that just happen to be my favorite Dodge truck style! They were pretty rough when I got them. But some 80/120/180/220 grit and they look pretty good! Could have gone farther but for now they are great. I tried out some 255/60/15's but they were too small in the back. So I went with 255/70/15's all around and I am happy with them. Once I do the 2" lowering shackles out back it should have the look I want for a driver. Now to start sanding fenders and doors to replace the rusted pieces..........:D
 

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Leveling that out,makes it so much sweeter. Lowered some trucks in my time,always preferred hard parts over airbags on daily driver stuff. Saw those wheels on a jet black Toy 4x4 at Wally World today. It, looked sharp.
 
Well, that's it for bolt on improvements. It got new shocks and Chevy lowering shackles. Dropped 2" at the back bumper and 1 3/4" at the wheel wells. The new rims / tires and lowering completely changed the truck. Here's some before and present pics. Just got body work to do now.
This will be the last update on the truck for a while. I know it's not an A-body, but sometimes I think this site should have been called "For A-Body Owners" instead of "For A-Bodies Only"! Since we all have other stuff too.
Cheers all!!

:burnout:
 

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So I came across a deal too good to pass up. What the heck. Not too often you see a little short box come around, and priced at $1500!! So I scooped it up. The guy was driving it daily, and just did a bunch of work to it including a rad, water pump, hoses, brake cylinders, muffler and exhaust. It's a 1988 and it's got a V6 / auto, not sure what trans, with an 8 1/4 diff. He said it was sure grip as well. I haven't checked yet, but there is a tag on it that says 3.2 (gear ratio?). She's a fairly plain truck, but in not too bad of condition. A little rust over the passenger rear wheel, pass door and lower pass fender. I'll clean those spots up while I use it and who knows, maybe someday............big block!

Nice score! Is that a 62 Plymouth I see in the backround?
 
Thanx guys. Yes Mike that is a '62. You know.....future project! A person can never have too many.......I think??
 
Thanx guys. Yes Mike that is a '62. You know.....future project! A person can never have too many.......I think??

By the way, thanks for the ''Thanks" on FBBO. The car show thread has been fun! tmm
 
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