Trucks (or engines) to stay away from advice needed

[muncybob]

My 86 F250 has seen better days. Bed is shot, doors starting to rust out at the bottom, etc. I think it will be retired to be the property plow truck in the near future. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for another 3/4 ton 4X4 with 8' bed. With our available budget I'm probably looking at something around mid 1990's or older and have even entertained the idea of flying south for a short summer vacation and buying a truck down there(hoping it's rust free). I'm also hoping that an older truck will be something I can work on if needed.

What trucks would be off your short list...and even better yet, what ones would be on it?....and why.

 

[razerface]

diesel or gas?

ford makes trucks
harley makes motorcycles
everybody else makes transportation.

IMHO, a cummins in a ford truck would be perfect.

Dodges are cheaper to buy,,they are all rusting out, but they have that cummins. Nothing else about the truck i like. Friends own them, but always seem to be working on the trans. They do get the best mpg of the diesels(24 valve)


On fords,,stay over 1993 to get to the powerstroke, stay with the 7.3 (less probs) I get 22 mpg from a 2000.



Gas,, I have no idea.

 

[muncybob]

I have no diesel experience but I would not count them out.

 

[tekguy]

4wd? Simple and basic? 90s F350 with a zf5spd, solid axle front end (less maintenance than the ttb stuff) and the manual trans is solid (the e4od autos found in 90's ford trucks can be pricey to rebuild-95 and later trucks the auto trans is better than earlier)

 

[Robert V]

Old cheap and tough I would go with a 96 or newer ford F-350/450. The late 80's through 98 f-250s have a twin I beam front axle.(no good) I would stay away from a diesel as they cost a lot to fix and you will never see the payback unless you put on a ton of miles. The 7.3 is a great engine but has a lot of electronics to let you down. If you go earlier then a 96 then your going too a pre- OBD2 set up which are difficult to diagnose when there is a problem. Just me thinking out loud anyway.

 

[jotul8e2]

For occasional use I too would go gas engine over diesel. In particular, I would avoid the pre-Duramax GM diesels.

I use a couple of '03 Fords in my business - one F350 and one F250. I also have an '86 Chevy that has been used and abused and used and abused. And just sold my '04 Chevy K2500 4X4 Duramax after nine years nearly trouble free service. No reason not to go with either brand, although my 30 years experience using both says that the GM models have a slight advantage in over all repair and maintenance costs. Dodge has loyal followers, but mostly of the Cummins diesel persuasion. They can be good trucks, but be prepared to throw more parts at one on an ongoing basis.

 

[simple.serf]

Yeah, a Cummins in a ford would be the best of both worlds, though I have a soft spot for the pre powerstroke diesels (I'm an IH fan).

An F 2/350 with the straight 6 is a pretty good work truck, don't let the TTB/TIB front end scare you. You have one in your current truck.

I have been hauling wood the past few years with a 1 ton Chevy dump truck. Even though I am not a Chevy guy, the low geared 5 speed coupled to the famous 350 does get the job done pretty well.

Stay away from the Dodge. Everyone I know who has one spends more time under it than driving it.

 

[bmblank]

The duramax is an awesome engine, and the Allison transmission is probably one of the best automatic trannies you can get. Those are definitely some spendy trucks though. I wouldn't spend the money just to use it as a beater. My dad's 10+ year old duramax is still in service and has well over 250k miles, mostly towing a camper or 40 horse Kubota.

 

[711mhw]

Bob for about $1500 you could throw a flatbed on your old girl, a couple of junkyard doors (or just don't look down) for a few bucks. Sometimes the vehicle you know is better than one that you don't. A 90's truck is still pretty old and has been through 2-3 owners at least.

 

[blades]

Mid south or interior trucks ok but pay attention to past weather related items ( floods) coastal units rust out worse than road salt treated units as the vapor gets everywhere. If your frame and running gear are good then the addition of some replacement parts might be an option depending on your ability or gumption. Had a 85 F350 6.9 diesel. Ran it right into the ground body and frame wise, there was not much left on the poor old girl above the tires. I plow snow and the frame was starting to go so had to replace her about 6 years back. Due to fuel pricing went back to gas. I will stay with gas due to the EPA trashing the diesel fuel. Gm or Ford +/- either way, Dodge never been a fan, and yes I have had a couple- not the best experiences, way to much out of service time.
Current units 99 f350 v10 and a 06 f250 5.4. The 350 has 4.7x rear gears so mileage is short but will do everything the 7.3 can just a bit more in fuel use but balanced by the lower maintenance costs. The 06 does ok and is my daily drive, I do not use it for hauling massive loads got the 350 for that, but it will get it done in a pinch. I tend to stay with Ford on the truck side

 

[razerface]

I will stay with gas due to the EPA trashing the diesel fuel. I tend to stay with Ford on the truck side

i saw E15 gas yesterday for $2.47 gal. Junk is coming for gas too

 

[ironpony]

12 valve Cummins, 100% mechanical, will run forever period. You decide what brand you want it in.
24 valve Cummins 5 or 6 speed, also will last forever period. You decide what brand you want it in.
I will not get involved in Dodge vs Ford vs Chevy, you want a motor to last forever, CUMMINS period.

 

[muncybob]

Yep, I had given some thought as to stay away from coastal regions when looking for a truck. Part of me wants a newer truck for the amenities(ac, nicer ride, etc) but part of me says sink a grand or so into the current beast and go from there. It has a 351(rebuilt 20k ago) 4bl/carb and really only gets about 1500 miles/year put on it...mostly firewood work. Would love to find a newer truck with a Cummins that I could afford though but with the limited use she gets it's probably not worth the expense. Maybe the Mrs would be happy if I could find a good bed, did some body work and painted it.

 

[ironpony]

sounds like you answered your own question. Put 1000 into your existing truck and be happy. that's what I would more than likely do.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

My 86 F250 has seen better days. Bed is shot, doors starting to rust out at the bottom, etc. I think it will be retired to be the property plow truck in the near future. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for another 3/4 ton 4X4 with 8' bed. With our available budget I'm probably looking at something around mid 1990's or older and have even entertained the idea of flying south for a short summer vacation and buying a truck down there(hoping it's rust free). I'm also hoping that an older truck will be something I can work on if needed.

What trucks would be off your short list...and even better yet, what ones would be on it?....and why.

From mid-90s? GM/Chevy 6.5 diesel is a complete and unredeemable hunk of s__t.

I'm not a huge fan of gas powered Dodges of that era but for the right price they're OK.

 

[muncybob]

sounds like you answered your own question. Put 1000 into your existing truck and be happy. that's what I would more than likely do.

It's likely what I'll wind up doing, but if the right truck pops up at the right price before putting $$ into the ole girl I'll buy the truck and not put anything other than gas and oil into the 86.

 

[bassJAM]

I've never cared for Dodge and will say they are a POS, but if you find one from the 90's still running chances are it was one of those few good ones and will continue to be so. I grew up a GM/Chevy fan but I think over the years they have cheapened non-critical parts, it seems most people with a Chevy older than 5-8 years old now have door handles where they need to open them from the outside, seat adjustment levers are broken, tailgates held shut by ratchet straps, etc. The frame, engine, and tranny may be great, but you get nickled and dimed on the little stuff. I've changed to a Ford fan now, although I'll take a Toyota or Nissan truck over the Big Three for compact and 1/2 ton trucks. Not really an option of you are looking for something in the 90's or want 3/4 - 1 ton.

 

[tekguy]

chevy interior door handles do suck

 

[MofoG23]

Yep, I had given some thought as to stay away from coastal regions when looking for a truck. Part of me wants a newer truck for the amenities(ac, nicer ride, etc) but part of me says sink a grand or so into the current beast and go from there. It has a 351(rebuilt 20k ago) 4bl/carb and really only gets about 1500 miles/year put on it...mostly firewood work. Would love to find a newer truck with a Cummins that I could afford though but with the limited use she gets it's probably not worth the expense. Maybe the Mrs would be happy if I could find a good bed, did some body work and painted it.

As an owner of some older iron myself, I think this is your best idea. You know the truck really well, maintenance is simple, if you take it off road and bump a tree....no big deal. Sounds like a solid rig....

Now if your frame was rotted out or had other significant issues, then I'd consider looking for something else.

I'd love to have a Cummins someday....but it will be a swap into my K20. Future project for the boys when they get older...

 

[simple.serf]

From mid-90s? GM/Chevy 6.5 diesel is a complete and unredeemable hunk of s__t.

Haha...

The 6.2 was a better engine. It didn't have enough power to hurt itself.

Put the 1k into the truck you have. I'm sure you can find a good bed somewhere, and get her all cleaned up.

 

[greg13]

Dodge w/Cummings are bullet proof, but the body rusts off here in NY.
Ford with 7.3 is a better motor. Had a F250 w/ a 460 in it, it would pull anything that you cold hook to it except for a gas hose.
Personal preference, stay away from GM. I can still remember that converted 350 diesel that was junk from the word go.

Greg

 

[Halligan]

For occasional use skip the diesel. As a former diesel owner I will tell you that unless you drive a ridiculous amount of miles annually or tow heavy (8,000lb or greater) on a regular basis then a diesel is nothing more than a novelty.

As for a mid 1990's truck I would go with a F-350 gasser or a Dodge Ram 2500 gasser.

The Dodge 2500 body style from 1994-2002 is referred to a a "2nd generation" truck. In the 2500's you could have either a 360ci gas, V-10 Gas, or Cummins diesel. For firewood duty a 360ci gasser is fine. Also the 2nd gen Dodges offered an optional "camper package" that added beefed up rear springs. Similar to a modern 3500 with single rear wheels. If you can find a decent 1994-2002 Dodge 4X4 2500 I would not be scared of it. In 1998 Dodge refreshed the interior so it's a little nicer than the 1994-1997 version.

As for Ford I suggest the F-350 which gives you a solid from axle (Dana 60) vs. the F-250 Dana 50 TTB axle. A 351ci engine would be fine but I'm sure the 460ci can be had as well.

I'm not a big fan of 1990's GM trucks. IMHO GM was selling junk in the 90's though others will disagree.

Look out west for a truck. Go onto craigslist in Arizona, Nevada, Southern California. Lot's of rust free truck out there.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

For occasional use skip the diesel. As a former diesel owner I will tell you that unless you drive a ridiculous amount of miles annually or tow heavy (8,000lb or greater) on a regular basis then a diesel is nothing more than a novelty.

As the owner of a diesel powered 1999 Dodge 3500 I couldn't agree more.

 

[blacktail]

The Dodge 2500 body style from 1994-2002 is referred to a a "2nd generation" truck. In the 2500's you could have either a 360ci gas, V-10 Gas, or Cummins diesel. For firewood duty a 360ci gasser is fine.

The 360s from the 2nd gen dodges have a reputation for cracked heads.
And it seems everyone with a 3/4 or 1 ton dodge makes regular visits to a shop for front end work.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

The 360s from the 2nd gen dodges have a reputation for cracked heads.
And it seems everyone with a 3/4 or 1 ton dodge makes regular visits to a shop for front end work.

Even when they are in perfect mechanical condition they feel worn out. After 7 years I'm used to the vague feel, but so far only 1 trip to the shop for front end parts. So far.