Buying a full-size...

[Beanmachine7000]

So, we are looking at buying a full-size truck to haul stuff around and tow a camper we're purchasing soon... We aren't looking to spend a whole lot of money (<$10,000)... It would be nice to get diesel, that way fuel mileage doesn't suffer too bad... We have been looking at pre-97 Ford 3/4 and 1-ton (SRW) trucks, only because we've only owned Ford, and really haven't ever been happy with any GM product we've owned... Just wondering if anyone has any opinions/suggestions... We've never owned a full size truck...

 

[Mechanickid]

late 80's early 90's PSD with a stick shift

 

[cpubuilder]

The 6.9 L Diesel is a good one. The 7.3 L will do you tho. Stay away from the 6.0 L but I think it'll be too new for your price range anywayz. Even if you go gasser 5.4 L or 6.8 L V10 are good, you really can't go wrong with a Ford truck. Engines aside they are the best selling for a lot of reasons.

Good luck

 

[Beanmachine7000]

late 80's early 90's PSD with a stick shift

I thought the Powerstroke was only offered after like 1995 or so... Ideally we'd like to find a 95/96 F250/350 SRW crew cab short bed with the 7.3 Powerstroke and the 5-speed, 4wd... We don't want something to terribly old because it needs to be comfortable enough to travel around the country in... Just wondering if there was something else we should look at instead of limiting ourselves to such a tiny offering...

 

[88gt]

if you look around enough, you might find a decent 99 250 or 350 with the 7.3. that is a great engine with a lot of aftermarket available for it. the 7.3 without a turbo is kinda a dog for road driving, but will haul about anything. Happy hunting, post some poics when you find one!!

 

[tyler93]

Either any ford 7.3 turbo diesel. STAY AWAY FROM 6.0

Or any dodge cummins diesel 24v turbo. Legendary engine.

For 10k you should be able to get somethhing very nice id pay more attention to the newer cummins diesels with the 24v turbo.. Or if you want to just get something quick and maybe save a few bucks you can get an older 7.3. up to you but personally id take my time and if i found a good dodge id buy it.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I don't think we'll get anything new enough to have to deal with the 6.0 Powerstroke... We found a nice Dodge 2500 4x4, not sure what year, but it's got the Cummins probably a 12v and whatever manual transmission went behind it... We've narrowed our search to a Ford with the 7.3 PSD or a Dodge with the Cummins...