Need input on buying a pickup

[Ecky]

I had an F150 with the 300 and although I never had a mechanical problem in over 150,000 miles, there were several electrical issues which I had to take to a shop to fix. With what I know now I might've fixed them myself.

If I were in the market for another truck I'd probably get a Toyota Hilux, though it might not be beefy enough for your needs.

[rmay635703]

1990 Dodge Tow Vehicle, powered by a six cylinder Cummins Turbo diesel engine, automatic transmission, vin 1B6LE3686LS73 - Government Liquidation

You can occasionally get a $500-$800 running diesel in rough shape off of that site above, the flightline I am linking to also comes in a Jeeplike diesel version. Flightlines are nice because they are usually much cheaper than the other diesels that sell on that site and have a normal Dodge cummins 12v setup with a 5th wheel and pintle hitch. Suspensions are usually 6-8 ton rated dually's
Now the trouble
1. 3 speed auto
2. Short wheelbase
3. 8.56 ratio rear wheel drive

The solution is either
1. Different rearend or
2. Get a cheap MT & a $50 2:1 t-case and run in reverse (aka now your 8.x rear gear is a 4x rear gear.

Unless of coarse you like a 45mph top speed.

Cheers
Ryan

[rmay635703]

Cushman Textron model 898613 , 2 door, 2 wheel drive, mini utility truck, no data plate, manual transmission with a gas - Government Liquidation

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Rusty Marina

I've narrowed the choices down to a few :

80-90s Fords with the reliable 300, decent mpg potential but the 5 speed Mazda I'm told is junk.

88-90 something Chevy f/s with a 4.3 V6 , seems a 5 speed with that combo would be a good pick.

Or even a 6.2 or 6.5 diesel, not powerful but 22 mpg potential with the ability to pull a mild load.

Altough I'm a Chevy guy I'd rather get a Cummins over a 6.2 or a 6.5 anytime. Could even consider to swap a 4BT (or an Isuzu 4BD1-T) into a Chevy...