Z-71 is the offroad package, factory lift, big tires, skidplate, etc. It's a Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4, try 1500 4x4.

 

Might look under K1500 also. These are good trucks except for the water pumps, as stated before.

 

Stan, Can you install crate motors into newer bodies down there without danger of breaking any laws, emissions or otherwise? I hear lots of late-model salvaged autos from my part of the country head south of the border and get rebuilt with no regard concerning US emission regs. If there's not stipulation the rebuilt has to meet the same standards as it did on the date-of-mfg, why not buy a fleet truck with a worn-out/broken motor and replace the engine and tranny from a donor or from a Summit perf hot-rod shop? Nat


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Laws?? Have no idea what you are talking about.
As far as I know there are no laws regarding what I put into a vehicle with a foreign plate, but once I put a Mexican plate on it then emission laws do come into play. Have to get the vehicle inspected annually for emissions in my area. Some areas do not yet have emission laws.
If I do go the route of selling my CTD and getting an older truck I want the best I can get with the best interior etc. A salvage truck that has to be banged into shape will not fit the bill - specially after getting used to the nice Ram.
Still pondering the best way to go. Actually my wife has now suddenly realized the implications of an older truck and as of yesterday is having second thoughts about getting rid of my 2003 and going to a 8-10 year old truck. She does not want to go there and is now suggesting that the annual hastle of owning a foreign plated vehicle down here may be worthwhile after all.
Will make a final decision soon. Thanks guys for all the input to date.

 

Hi Stan. I too am living in Mexico and thinking about importing a truck. I'm was kind of leaning towards a diesel. But, now that I saw you write that 1/2 ton is the max payload that can be imported I'm having some doubts. Previously I thought whatever type of of truck could be imported as long as it was pick-up style and at least 10 years old. Is it possible to import a diesel truck into Mexico. Can it be a dually style as well? I was planning to go up to Rinosa soon be maybe I should check into this a bit better first.

Maybe some of the general readers can help me out with the following. I'm actually a bit new to trucks and understanding their various ratings. Ok I know you have 1500, 2500, 3500 models and is going from lighter to heavier duty. But , 1500 does not mean it can carry 1.5 tons does it? So, what does this rating mean exactly? And I know a truck can tow more than it can carry. But, again if you have a 1500 how much can you tow? What I'm going to need the truck for is towing a trailered 150Kw electrical generator. I'm guessing the weight of the Genset without trailer is about 3 - 3.5 tons. What capacity truck is going to be best for the job? I was thinking the best would be a 3500 dually with turbo diesel. Or will a normal 1500 do the job well enough? Can I easily change the suspension of a 1500 to the equvilent capacity of a 2500 or 3500?

I appreciate any advise on this and also which Diesel and gas 4X4's have the best reputation from 1995? Dodge, Ford or Chev?