Morning Gents,

I'm debating on a hunting rig. I have a few ideas to me but I also want something I can use for other uses as well. I'm looking looking mainly at getting something SWB, 4x4, and something that can handle a load for normal towing whether it be a car, boat, utility trailer with all terrain vehicles ect. I'm not extremely worried about gas mileage because I don't plan on using it for long distant towing or trips unless its hunting related. I'm looking for something that I could care less about if I hit something because I can always just find a replacement body panel or beat it back in place. Something that is a manual preferred for lower issues with the trans going out if it gets stuck. But unsure as far as a good all around powerplant to start with that I can always upgrade or change out later.

I'm leaning towards the older Chevy pickups, K-10 73-87, 1500 88-98 or the Ford F-series late 80's to mid 90's with a short bed for a shorter wheelbase. I'm not a fan of Dodge so I tend to shy away.

So with that being said what rig would you choose to be a hunting rig, what powerplant would you look for, what features would you think would be a good deciding factor on a rig.

I know some of the inline 6's are hard to kill and have good torque, and I know about the ford/chevy small block v8's.

Thanks in advance.