Outer Limits 4x4 Board

k looking 2 buy a stockmen to become daily driver and weeekend toy. 31's suspension etc nothing to over the top

theres one for sale for $2000 1986 no rust good condition 200 000ks
down side 1L 4spd so id have to do engin swap ect before it becomes daily driver

my question is would i be better off just paying 8-10grand for a later model with around 100 000ks as thats what im seeing they go for or buy a cheape and spend the rest on the engin conversion

i just wont a reliable work ute and daily driver with no hassel the less time in a work shop the better as i need this for work would only use 31 for weekend as i already have a set of jt

cheers cant wait 2 join u other zookers

Get an 89-93 (leaf spring) sierra instead.
They are 1.3 & 5 speed and have wider track than earlier models.
They are much easier to get parts for (than LJ's)and aftermarket stuff is readily available.
If you LOOK around you'll find one in good nick for $2000-$3000.
Jas.

i need a ute for work. not to carry much as im only a waterproffer so u recken stay away from stockmen to hard to find parts, etc im finding it hard to even find them advertised

I bought my 89 sierra already ute chopped and modded with swift gti motr, barwork etc etc for $3000. There are bargains to be had, just keep looking.

Just so where all talking about the same thing...

"Stockman" was the name given, in australia, to LJ80 traybacks. These would have first come into australia in around 1978-79 or something. They're not what you're talking about.

In about 1990, suzuki reintroduced the "stockman" name for its imported from india 1.0litre traybacks /utes which were made by Maruti under licence. they all came into the country as soft top LWB utes with fibreglass cab backs, they were cut into traybacks locally.

between about 1982 and 1987, LWB and trayback sierras shared all parts with the normal, SWB models, except the specific parts related to the wheelbase.

Personally, the Maruti stockman models aren't worth the hassle. They are poorly made, and do have a large number of unique parts (including the engine and gearbox) even though they are all very similar to sierras.

If you can find a 1.3 trayback (1985-1987) that would be the ideal car.

Unless you are very handy with tools and mechanical, don't buy a 1.0 looking to do an engine swap. they are not very straightforward or cheap to do a good reliable swap into if you want a daily driver. a 1986 SHOULD be a 1.3, but it is possible there were still some 1.0's being sold at that time.

You shouldn't be paying $8-10K for any sierra unless its gold plated. $6k should be plenty to get a clean, original sierra.

Steve.