Best Trucks Ever in Cowlitz County

We've given our opinion on the best sports fishing boats ever, now it is time for trucks. This list is just an opinion, so let us know what you think.

2003-2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) Rubicon

The TJ was smaller and nimbler than today's Wrangler, but represents the highpoint in Jeep off-road capabilities with its coil-link suspension. It boasted a 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that lifted up 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 an ultra-low gearing in its transfer case.

1978-1980 Ford Bronco

In the 1970s, the Chevy Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger SUVs were based on full-sized pickups, but the Ford Bronco retained its small stature until 1978. That year, it switched to the F-150 chassis and offered the option of a brawny 460 cid V-8 engine. In 1981, Ford decided to alter the design again, removing the Dana 44 solid front axle, making it less capable off-road. As a result, these first three years of the big Bronco represent the cream of the crop.

1946-1968 Dodge Power Wagon

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 instead. 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.

1984-1985 Toyota 4Runner

Representing the most rugged and durable of 4WD vehicles, the only thing that would destroy a 4Runner was rust. They were over-engineered for durability. A solid axle and leaf spring suspension allowed for respectable off-roading and the fuel-injected 22RE four-cylinder engine is nearly indestructible. Unlike today's 4Runner models, which are integrated SUVs, the original 4Runner was much more similar to a pick-up with a cap.

Put Synthetic Oil in Your Truck in Cowlitz County

Treat your truck to a longer life with synthetic oil from AMSOIL. Call your local AMSOIL Dealer in Cowlitz County, Absolute-Synthetic, at (360) 304-8595 or shop for yourself at our online store.

1978-1979 Dodge Li'l Red Express

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, 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.

1989-1993 Dodge Power Ram W-250/350 Cummins Turbo Diesel

Chevy and Ford dominated the heavy-duty pickup market until this Dodge Power Ram with a Cummins turbo diesel came along. At the time, Cummins had stronger name recognition than the Dodge Ram for durability and longevity. Now Dodge had entered the ring. The Power Ram Cummins six-cylinder made more torque at 400 lb-ft. than its competitors, and started the torque war between Ford and GM that continues today.

1957-1965 Jeep FC-150

This cute little number was actually 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.

1990-1993 Chevy 454 SS

Building upon the sports truck craze of the late '80s and '90s, Chevy spurred it on with its 454 Super Sport. Redesigning their new full-size pickup lines, GM decided that the new bodies would be perfect for a high-performance pickup. The black on black 454 SS took a big pickups 454 cid big-block V-8 and added a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic and 9.5-inch rear axle. The next year, the three-speed was swapped out for a four-speed, resulting in 255 hp, 405 lb-ft of torque, and 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. Here was a hark back to the muscle car days, taking a big engine and tweaking it for fun.

The Best Trucks Need Synthetic Oil in Cowlitz County

We love talking about trucks here at Absolute-Synthetic in Cowlitz County. Give us a call at (360) 304-8595 to find out more about the full line of AMSOIL products from synthetic oils and fluids to filters and additives. We offer better protection, performance, and peace of mind. Visit our online store to see more. ;