My last Red LUV was an 80 model Makado. The head gasket blew/head warped going up a hill en route to my wife's grandmother's funeral. Talk about inopportune timing!! After deciding what to do with the truck, I took out a loan, had the engine bay refitted with a 2L block and 1.8L head, new exhaust, clutch, radiator, etc. Two months later, an old lady drove her Buick LeSabre under my truck. The frame was bent to such an extent that the left front wheel had a clear foot under it. I could have driven it home though, poor truck. I had about $8K invested. Since we both had the same insurance company, who could I sue? I was given the truck, a check for $2500, and a cancelled insurance policy to boot. I bought a 1979 Blue 4x4 LUV, drove it until the head gasket blew, swapped out the engine and trans from the red truck, and finished college. With my new Bachelor's Degree in geology in hand, I swapped the LUVs for a 1977 Dodge 1-ton 4x4 dually service truck, and thought I'd be better off.
I was spoiled with power steering, ground clearance, abiility to carry stuff, and horrible gas mileage. Going from about 25 mpg to 6 was a shock. After the Dodge was stolen...
Long story. I missed the nimbleness of the LUV, didn't miss no air or the armstrong steering. Bought another Montero and haven't looked back. I like the Troopers, and would have purchased one had I found it. I have desired a newer Amigo V6 stick, copper or dark blue metallic, with a t-case gear kit and swampers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
