Our Favorite Trucks of All Time in Wake County

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

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.

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.

1991-1993 GMC Syclone/Typhoon

Perhaps the strangest truck ever made, the GMC Syclone took a humble S-15 compact pickup body and put in a 4.3-liter turbo-charged V-6 that produced 280 hp and 360 lb-ft. of torque, beating the Corvette of the time. In fact, the Syclone and Typhoon used the same Corvette ;automatic transmission and shifter, but with ;All Wheel Drive. You could beat any sports car on the lot by just putting the pedal to the metal, going from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. It couldn't carry much and couldn't tow anything, but who cares?

1979-1985 Toyota Hilux

While Datsun was the first Japanese toe-hold in the American truck market back in the 1950s, Toyota has dominated in the decades since. Toyota offered the first 4WD compact truck with the 1979 Hilux, and a nearly bulletproof drivetrain. Exceedingly reliable, and offering serious ground-clearance for off-roading, the Hilux became the quintessential compact pick-up.

Get Synthetic Oil for Your Truck in Wake County

Call ;Synthetic Solutions ;in Wake County today at (919) 600-2749 ;to find out what ;AMSOIL ;products are right for your truck. Or visit our online store and shop for yourself.

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.

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.

2007 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Supercharged

Although Ford and Harley Davidson had collaborated on pickup trucks since 1999, it was in 2007 that they took it to a new level. It looked the same as its predecessors, with Harley badges, big chrome wheels, and special paint, but the optional supercharger kit set this bad boy apart. The supercharged option boasted a 5.4-liter V-8 that produced 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, serious business then and still today.

1972-1979 Datsun 620

Representing the fourth generation of the 620 in the US market, the long experience of Datsun finally paid off. The truck looked beautiful, with winglets along the bedsides, but it also introduced a number of innovations. It was the first compact truck with a long bed and offered ;the King Cab in 1977. These King Cabs became the staple of the surfer in 1970s Southern California and blossomed the sport compact scene.

The Best Trucks Need Synthetic Oil in Wake County

We love talking about trucks here at Synthetic Solutions ;in Wake County. Give us a call at (919) 600-2749 ;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.