[mwassi]

Looking into buying a full size J10 truck....what is the best year to buy?

[jode]

Well, that is a loaded question. I prefer a 78-79 since that was the year that the frame changed a bit (added bumper mounts) and the ignition was upgraded (from Prestolite to Duraspark). But both of those are pretty small reasons. A little welding and the frame issue goes away, and the ignition is easily swappable from the pre-78 to post-78. However, once you get into the 80s, they removed the "visor" from the top of the cab and from then on, the J trucks just don't have "the look" IMHO. Jtrucks earlier than 74 were not branded J10 or J20, (they were J200, 300, 4000, etc.) and they came with a hard-to-lift post-mount spring mounting system, questionable wiring, and closed knuckle front ends. Again, with some ingenuity, all of those differences are overcome by a man with a welder and some tools (and time/$$). The main thing to look out for is (IMHO) rust/cancer under the floor boards and on the cab corners. If you have any more questions on any of the things mentioned above, try the search function at www.ifsja.org