Need input on buying a pickup
 

I'm looking to buy a pickup, nothing new just something inexpensive I can occasionally use. I need one to pull a car trailer and some of my junkers I have, but gas is just too expensive these days. 15 years ago I wouldn't care if it were a one ton with a 454 or 460 engine.

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.

I'd consider the Ford 6.9 and 7.3s as they are good engines, but they are 3/4 ton trucks and I don't know how bad the fuel economy would be on top of diesel already costing .60 to .80 more per gallon. Not sure if they can handle 22 mpg like the 6.2 GM diesel although they are probably a better engine overall.

Any input on any of these ?

A ford straight 6 300 would be a good choice to stay with gas motors, there very torqy motors as well as being reliable as it is a straight motor which tend to last longer.

I would not go with any big block gas motor, if you go with a 1 ton vehicle a diesel would be the way to go as your economy would be higher.

I've seen a couple 460 Fords that were in decent condition and drivers for $800-1000 but I know my wallet cannot support one at the pump.

A 300 will pull a car and a trailer with no issues, and I like the fact 300s seldom have issues.

Thanks !

Any of the midsized pickups with a V6 like toyota, or Nissan might do you too, though they tend to sell for more used.

but if he plans on pulling a car he would need to upgrade the suspension. my bros f150 302(brand new upgraded suspension) was just about bottomed out pulling a 96 Taurus on a trailer. and the frame is not as strong which will also be taking quite a bit of abuse

The frames themselves are quite strong, I would suggest a load leveling reciever hitch, if you load the trailer properly 500lbs tounge for class III even the lighter trucks without a load leveler will not nose up all that much.

Here is a very similar thread, slightly different requirements such as passengers, but slowmover was very informative for me.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...cle-23966.html

I'd be happy if I could find a decent condition 6.2 GM diesel or 6.9 Ford 3/4 ton but most older diesels always appear to have the wheels driven off them, maybe I should consider spending more.

If it was bottomed out someone wasn't balancing the car on the trailer correctly. IIRC you should have about 100 lbs on the hitch- then all you have to worry about is fishtailing.

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.

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

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

:)

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...