Common Lowrider Trucks: The Models Most Often Built and Why They Stand Out

Common lowrider trucks include Chevrolet C10/Squarebody C/K, Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody (D21) and 720, Toyota Pickup/Hilux (and early Tacoma), Mazda B-Series, Ford Ranger and classic F-100/F-150, GMC C1500/Sierra, Dodge D100/D150 (and early Ram), plus car-based pickups like the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero. These platforms are favored for their body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel drive, plentiful parts, and strong aftermarket support that makes hydraulics or air suspension swaps straightforward.

Classic American Full-Size Pickups (1950s–1990s)

These are the iconic, body-on-frame trucks that defined the look and feel of early lowrider pickups—valued for their proportions, simple suspensions, and deep cultural roots in West Coast cruising.

• Chevrolet C10/C/K (1960–66; 1967–72 “Action Line”; 1973–87 “Squarebody” RWD half-tons)
• Chevrolet 3100/Apache (Advance-Design 1947–55; Task Force/Apache 1955.5–59)
• GMC C15/C1500 and GMC equivalents to Chevy C10/C/K generations
• Chevrolet C1500 GMT400 (1988–98) and GMC Sierra C1500 counterparts
• Ford F-100 (1953–79) and early F-150 (1980–96) 2WD models
• Dodge D100/D150 and early Ram 1500 2WD (1961–93; especially 1972–93)

These classics are prized for their timeless styling, easy drop potential with leaf-spring rears and double-wishbone fronts, and a huge ecosystem of lowering components, disc brake upgrades, and period-correct trim.

Compact and Mini-Trucks (1980s–2000s)

Mini-trucks overlap heavily with lowrider culture; they’re light, affordable, and respond well to static drops, air ride, or hydraulics, making them a go-to for clean, low builds.

• Chevrolet S-10 (1982–2004) and GMC Sonoma; Isuzu Hombre (1996–2000, S-10–based)
• Nissan 720 (1980–86) and D21 Hardbody (1986–97)
• Toyota Pickup/Hilux (1970s–1995) and early Tacoma (1995–2004)
• Mazda B-Series (B2000/B2200/B2600, 1980s–early 1990s; later Ranger-based models also appear)
• Ford Ranger (1983–2012 first run) and Mazda B-Series twins (1994–2010, North America)
• Isuzu Pickup/P’up (1981–95, various names) and TF/Faster variants
• Mitsubishi Mighty Max and Dodge Ram 50 (1983–96)

Because parts interchange between trims and years is common and frames are straightforward, these trucks often become show-ready on realistic budgets, with options from traditional hydraulics to modern air management systems.

Late-Model Full-Size Platforms (1999–present)

Newer full-size trucks bring modern comfort and reliability to lowrider builds, with extensive lowering kits, bolt-on air ride, and clean interiors that suit contemporary show standards.

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999–2006 GMT800; 2007–13 GMT900; 2014–18 K2XX; newer models also appear)
• GMC Sierra 1500 counterparts to the Silverado generations above
• Ford F-150 (1997–2008; 2009–14 also seen, typically in 2WD trims)
• Ram 1500 (2002–08; 2009–18), especially 2WD single-cab/short-bed variants
• Occasionally: Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT for SUT-style low builds

These platforms blend daily drivability with lowrider aesthetics, often featuring step-notch frames, narrowed rears for wire wheels, and smoothed beds or raised bed floors for extreme drops.

Car-Based Pickups with Lowrider Cred

While not traditional body-on-frame trucks, these car-based pickups are staples in the lowrider scene and frequently grouped with truck builds for their sleek lines and cruising heritage.

• Chevrolet El Camino (1959–60, 1964–87) and GMC Caballero (1978–87)
• Ford Ranchero (1957–79)

Their coupe-like ride quality and long, flat bedsides make ideal canvases for murals, candy paint, and multi-color patterns paired with wires and whitewalls.

What Makes These Models Popular

Across eras and sizes, certain shared traits help explain why these platforms dominate lowrider truck builds.

• Body-on-frame construction that tolerates hydraulics, notches, and reinforcement
• Rear-wheel drive and simple leaf-spring rears that are easy to lower
• Abundant aftermarket: drop spindles, C-notches, control arms, bag brackets, and brake upgrades
• Parts availability and interchangeability (especially across GM platforms)
• Proportions that suit narrow wire wheels, thin whitewalls, and classic paint schemes
• Strong cultural heritage in West Coast and Southwest cruising communities

Together, these factors reduce cost and complexity, while preserving reliability and the signature lowrider stance.

Tips for Choosing a Lowrider Truck Platform

Before buying, consider build goals, regional availability, and the condition of the chassis and body—you’ll save money and headaches by starting with the right platform.

1. Decide on suspension: hydraulics for fast action and show; air ride for adjustability and comfort.
2. Inspect frames for rust, prior notches, and cracks; confirm straight rails and solid cab mounts.
3. Check cab and bed for rust (rockers, floors, firewall seam, bed rails, wheel arches).
4. Verify title/registration and emissions compliance for your state.
5. If planning a body drop or raised bed floor, inspect bed floor and crossmembers closely.
6. Research parts support for your exact year/generation; some trims have better aftermarket.
7. Budget for reinforcement (trailing arms, notches, panhard/Watts link, shock relocation).
8. Plan wheel/tire fitment early (13–15-inch wires vs. larger diameters) to avoid rubbing.
9. Consider brake and steering upgrades to match lower ride height and wheel choice.
10. Align with local club styles and show expectations to fit the scene you want to join.

A clear plan and solid starting truck will keep the build on-budget and ensure safety and reliability once it’s rolling low.

Regional Variations

Preferences vary by region, shaped by availability, climate, and local club traditions.

• U.S. Southwest/West Coast: Classic Chevy C10/Squarebodies and El Caminos dominate; S-10s and mini-trucks are common.
• Pacific Northwest/Midwest: Mini-trucks (S-10, Ranger, Hardbody, Toyota) are prevalent due to lower cost and parts availability.
• Mexico and the Southwest border region: Strong presence of classic GM trucks and S-10/Sonoma builds.
• Japan and Southeast Asia: Toyota Hilux, Nissan 720/D21, and Mazda B-Series feature prominently in minitruck/low scenes.

Local fleets and import histories often dictate which platforms are easiest to find and build, reinforcing regional styles within the broader lowrider community.

Summary

The most common lowrider trucks span classic American full-size pickups (Chevy C10/Squarebody, GMC equivalents, Ford F-100/F-150, Dodge D-series), ubiquitous mini-trucks (S-10/Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody/720, Toyota Pickup/Hilux, Mazda B-Series, Ranger, Mighty Max/Ram 50), select late-model full-sizes (Silverado/Sierra, F-150, Ram 1500), and car-based icons (El Camino, Ranchero). They’re favored for simple, durable frames, RWD layouts, deep aftermarket support, and styling that complements traditional lowrider aesthetics.

Why are most lowriders Chevy?

Many early lowriders wore the Chevy badge because the cars were affordable to buy and featured bodywork and bumpers that wouldn’t drag when dropped as low to the ground as possible (especially compared to Fords of the era).

What are Mexican lowrider trucks called?

Takuache trucks are dropped and lifted.
The stance of takuache trucks calls back to the lowriders that were first associated with Mexican-American car culture, particularly in California and the Southwest.

What is the most common lowrider?

’60s, the classic lowrider is a Chevy Impala. Cadillac and Lincoln are often used of any era. Moving forward, Monte Carlo, Buick Riviera, Regal, Olds Cutlass became popular. Some say it must have hydraulics, but there are dudes in lowrider clubs without, they’re slammed to the ground, and just drive around like that.

What is the most famous lowrider model?

1964 Chevrolet Impala
The car’s immediate popularity, amplified by its bold aesthetic traits, helped solidify the 1964 Chevrolet Impala as the quintessential lowrider model in the popular imagination.