We love trucks for their ability to be so versatile, both on the road and off-road, and incredibly tough to crack. They’re an American symbol that reminds us of the freedom we have in this country, as we can pretty much go anywhere with a truck. This passion for these beasts of the road is nothing new, drivers have been enjoying pickup trucks for decades and some of the oldest models still gain popularity for their iconic appearance and resilience. Let’s check out the Toughest of Pickup Trucks straight from the 80s:

 1. The 1989 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbodiesel

It’s hard to believe that there was a time when the iconic Dodge trucks weren’t doing so well, and yet the 80s were a tough time for them. What saved them was the introduction of the Dodge Cummings, a badass truck that showed off 160 hp and a 5.9-liter inline-six engine, with the addition of cast-iron and steel used to bring a whole other level of durability to the truck.

 2. The 1988 Chevrolet C/K

This resilient beast was part of the C/K series of trucks and cars (where the C stands for two-wheel drive and the K for four-wheel drive). This whole new and improved Chevrolet boasted a truck frame that’s fully welded, no vent windows, a build that weighed half a ton, and an independent front suspension. They were so popular for their toughness that they kept them around until the year 2000. 

 3. The 1984 Jeep Cherokee

If you know Jeep, you know about Cherokee. It made its first appearance back in the 70s but it wasn’t until its transformed version in 1984 that people started to really appreciate its powers. Instead of tinkering with the engine like competitors were doing at the time, Jeep focused on turning their trucks into lighter and smaller vehicles. The result was the unbeatable Cherokee that conquered a lot of drivers from generation to generation.

 4. The 1984-1985 Toyota 4Runner

This unique truck made history for being a compact light truck that every driver could count on. Their reliability and style made them so popular that they began to acquire a high resale value, something that still applies today. As one can imagine, the more a truck is wanted, the more people want it.

 5. The 1987 Land Rover Range Rover

There are few things one can be sure of in life, but that the Land Rover is an important piece of truck history is one of them. It’s hard to believe that we didn’t meet the classic Range Rover until 1987, a pickup that’s not afraid to let everyone know that it was born for the off-road. Its design is still just as exciting and one look at it is enough to know that you can rely on it.

 6. The 1985 Suzuki Samurai

Hear us out, we know that some drivers might be put off the Samurai purely due to its small size, but you can’t judge a book for its cover. This beast, despite being smaller than the other trucks we listed, is highly capable against everything that the off-road has planned. Its four-wheel-drive system came to America and instantly became popular, following a modern version named Jimmy. It’s recognizable anywhere and just as tough as its bigger competitors.

Heading back to modern times, the best way to turn your truck instantly more tough is to give it extra protection with a bumper. We can help you find the one right for you with our Ultimate Bumper Guide. Got any questions? Get in touch with us either via live chat or by calling us on 281-404-2124.