|
Others have addressed the issue of whether or not you really require a truck, I will post assuming you have relooked at your use case and determined that you in fact need a truck. I would suggest for best mileage getting one with a stick shift and overdrive transmission. You mentioned an old C-10, but I would suggest something in the 90’s with the NV4500 transmission and the numerically lowest gear ratio you can find (like 3.08). Based on your posted goals, I would suggest a Chevy/GMC c1500 1993-1998 regular cab short bed step side 5.7L (350) with NV4500 transmission and 3.08 gears. That is not necessarily the best option, but is probably the cheapest option that has good potential.
I don’t think the hybrid approach would pan out without much expense and custom fab work (can you weld and machine metal?), but if you were dead set on pursuing it I would either get a 4x4 and swap the front driveshaft off the transfer case onto your electric drivetrain or tap into one of the PTO ports on the NV4500 as a way to connect the output of the electric motor directly to the transmission. I think you would be much better served though taking a stock truck and modifying it for lower weight, rolling resistance, and aerodynamic drag.
If you are trying to save money and gas “fun” with a V8 is not the way to do it, especially when things start tearing up. Learn to enjoy driving the truck responsibly and in a way to conserve gas, which can be fun in its own way. Learn to work on it yourself, modify it to work for your business needs (toolboxes, work lights, air tank, etcetera).
|