Need a Truck. Advice on Purchase.

[shotty]

I've owned and driven all 4, the chevy/gmc brands worked best for me. Since fuel injection came along, engines are lasting much longer. I try to say under 160K unless really clean and also keep'em stock. Maybe it's just me ,but chevys seem eaiser to work on and the parts are cheaper and more avaiable. I'd stay with gas unless your towing alot, with heavy weight. The gas vs diesel maint, mpg, etc is pretty much a wash. Good luck.

 

[Parks 788]

for a low budget high mileage full size truck ... wouldn't even consider a gas engine at end of it's life. a diesel at 200k miles is just getting started.

there's only two choices that's durable and cheap:

1. early Ford 7.3 diesel (88-2002)
2. first gen Cummins Turbo diesel trucks (88-92). both with manual tranny only.

NICE early Ford 7.3 diesels commonly go for under $2,500 and hands down the best value. but it's getting hard to find clean low mileage examples.

first gen cummins are higher priced due to folks salvaging the cummins for for late model Ford diesel conversion due to junk late model diesel engines. there's a bottom value of of about $2k for any good running cummins. prices range from $2,500 (junk) to 6,500 for a super clean low mileage first gen cummins.

stay away from auto tranny and diesels... a bad/expensive combo to fix. diesel generate HUGE torque which destroys auto trannies, mostly due to ignorance of folks knowing how to drive an auto with diesel.

if you must go with an auto/diesel combo... know diesels typically generate max torque at about 1,600 rpm or too low to build up max pressure to operate an auto tranny at peak efficiencies. in other words keep your rpm's up, preferably over 2,000 rpm when pulling a load. if you have an overdrive.... ease up on throttle when overdrive is engaging. after overdrive is firmly engaged, then it's ok to stomp it after 1800 rpm or so.

confusing... thought so... that's why soooo many folks destroy auto trannies with diesel engines!!!

Best advice so far with the 7.3 powerstroke. I believe the 7.3 ended in about 2002. Find a nice condition Ford F250 with the diesel up to about 2002 and you may want to pay a little more money for one in good condition as it will last for many years more.

 

[_CY_]

best to stay away from dealers unless you want to pay max retail price. hey dealers has to make a living too...

best source for clean trucks is Craigslist ... but legit deals go quick! the really KILLER deals gone in a matter of minutes.

be patient and you will find a clean truck in your price range.

again ... hands down the best value for your $$$ is early 7.3 Ford diesels... clean 90-95 Ford 7.3 4x4 manual tranny under 150k miles goes regularly for $2500-3500 range. IMHO you cannot find another full size truck that's super reliable, tough as nails, get great fuel mileage... that cheap.

if you can get by with a smaller truck ... top choice is Toyota pickups... tougher than nails... goes and goes... but it's hard to find a 4x4 Toyota pickup in any condition for less than $3500.

a bare bones early (any year) Toyota pickup with 2wdr, std cab in decent condition will easily sell for $3,500+

the Toyota and Ford 7.3 diesel are your safest choices. amazingly both get about the same fuel mileage. diesels typically get 20-22+ mpg so do little import pickups.

hands down you will get more truck for $$$ with an early Ford 7.3!

Well folks. After a day spent kicking tires and driving trucks I must say there is not much out there that is either not grossly overpriced or just junk paperweights. Found a few for more than I wanted to pay. Might go back tomorrow and try to make deals. Thanks again.

 

[Lucero]

There are certain tax breaks for vehicles weighing in over certain pounds. You might check into that.

 

[inactive]

The op is looking to buy a full sized,4x4 with a v-8 engine. Find you a 99-up chevy with the 5.3 v-8 4x4,that has had scheduled maintenance. These trucks are easy to work on, parts are plentiful at local salvage yards,parts are considerably cheaper than foreign makes. I have had several of these trucks with over 300k miles and were still running fine.

Now if you wanted a small truck without the v-8 engine, I would say buy an older toyota with a 22re 4cyl. They run forever. I cant say that about there v-6 engines.

Good luck on whatever you buy.

I will admit I am more of a Ford guy when it comes to full-size trucks, but I still think this is good advice. I wouldn't NOT drive that Chevrolet. I think I would be happy with the 4x4. It seems at a glance that the Z71 brings a premium for the sticker on the side, but offers little over a regular GM 4x4. Any Chevy guys care to offer their perspective?

Heh, and I drive a Dodge currently (Dakota, so mid-size - , which Ford does not make, GM does not make in a V6, and Toyota does not make in my budget ).

 

[338Shooter]

I prefer the 96-99 chevys with the L31 350. That is a good motor, easy to work on, and replacement is pretty cheap to swap a core for a good rebuilt motor. Z71 gets you some skid plates and a little block in the rear leafs with taller shocks than the plain old 4x4, but it isn't something to go nuts over. Usually comes with some comfort features like power windows and locks when you get the Z71 instead of the 4x4. Tranny is basically the same. Rear end is pretty much the same. Housing is a little different, but still 8.5" ring 10 bolts. They use the same gear sets. The carrier and bearings are a little different, but that's it. Think they still use the NP246 transfer case as the 98-99 OBS trucks. 5.3 isn't a bad motor at all, but they are kinda gutless factory unless you rev them pretty good.

 

[MyMonkey]

Well folks. I found a steal of a deal at $1800 for a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with 151,000 miles. Paint is faded a bit and the dash is all cracked up but it runs and the ac even works! Fits the bill perfectly until I can get a nicer truck down the road.

Zombie, I might take you up on that one day. I have already had some fun using seafoam on the truck. Seems I might do the plenum repair on it too. Thanks everyone for the replies. Even had one member call me up and tell me about a nice truck that was just coming available. Key here was that I didn't want to pay for a "nice" truck. Just a truck.

 

[Zombie]

Well folks. I found a steal of a deal at $1800 for a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with 151,000 miles. Paint is faded a bit and the dash is all cracked up but it runs and the ac even works! Fits the bill perfectly until I can get a nicer truck down the road.

Zombie, I might take you up on that one day. I have already had some fun using seafoam on the truck. Seems I might do the plenum repair on it too. Thanks everyone for the replies. Even had one member call me up and tell me about a nice truck that was just coming available. Key here was that I didn't want to pay for a "nice" truck. Just a truck.

sounds like a hell of a deal...you ever want a little t top sports car let me know

I'm actually looking for a truck myself lol...I'm always down to turn a wrench when I have time

 

[trickydick]

If you haven't purchased a vehicle yet look at this one:
http://lawton.craigslist.org/cto/2225972152.html

 

[_CY_]

WOW... 91k miles, 4x4, stick ... Ford F-350 7.3 diesel for $3k
it's a flat bed ... std beds come up all the time for sale

If you haven't purchased a vehicle yet look at this one:
http://lawton.craigslist.org/cto/2225972152.html