What is B.I.Y.?  It is: "Build It Yourself". 

In this "B.I.Y." scenario, it required a tremendous leap of faith... and some automotive knowhow.

In a day when electronics has taken over everything, and where trucks ride like limos... it was time to "B.I.Y."

Of both of the homes I have owned, they have narrow driveways.  So a fullsize truck wouldn't fit.  In each case the work requirements of such a truck went above and beyond what is on the market today.  What was needed was something built to haul rock, sand, concrete, and landscaping materials in without bothering the looks.

Plus the suspension had to be tough.  Independent front ends are complicated and expensive, and not rugged enough for serious work.  Toyota solid axles are hard to find, expensive, and usually all worn out.  Plus they have a fatal flaw... the same one that's the curse of every front wheel drive car or truck CV axle... the CV joint.  The one's on my Chevy LUV too had fallen victim to this self same curse.  Adios boot, so long CV joint... plus the ball joints and bushings went south. 

Yet under the hood was a brand new 1.8 liter four I couldn't justify selling.  So what to do?  B.I.Y.  That's where eBay came in handy.  Most every part I either sold off the LUV (keeping only the cab and engine) or purchased new came through eBay.  Ring and pinion sets, master cylinder, steering, and a gob of small or those nickel and dime parts came through eBay.  The chassis, axles, and brakes were bought locally.  Even the Clarke welder I purchased, came through eBay.

The end result?  A really rugged Chevy LUV on a Jeep Wagoneer chassis.  Why Jeep, and the Wagoneer specifically?  Narrow track, it's just a few inches wider than on the LUV.  But it has really beefy axles for the application... A Dana 44 front and AMC 20 rear with 4.56s (The LUVs stock gearing).   It has no computer, runs with point ignition and a Weber carb, has no catastrophic converter (none required), and is easy to maintain and cheap to keep.  Though where I live is emissions exempt, the engine passed where I used to live on the first try.  It, via a Trooper 5 speed; will break loose the 34x9.50 TSLs that are on it too.  Next step once the ethanol plant goes in down the highway from here, is converting over. 

So for those of you out there who can't justify beating up a $30,000 small truck... or can't stand all the complicated electronics and car like ride...

"B.I.Y!"  And with eBay; a lot of petience, knowing what to look for, and trusting in Jesus, you can!  I did, oh, and I'm legally blind too!