Need help picking out a truck to buy

[Supercharged Riot]

Im in the market for a new truck.
Its going to be daily driven and i want it to be able to haul big car parts
I want to be able to carry about 1,000 lbs (equivalent to a complete engine) with ease
I still want good fuel economy
I dont wanna buy somehing i regret
I was hoping any of you experienced truck owners wanna chime in with your opinion

Id love to have a big truck, but something like that would not have much use
Ill mainly be towing major car parts during my chargers restoration process

Opinions fellas?

Thanks

[JB400]

Sounds like you're looking for something in the half ton range.  What's your price range?

[ACUDANUT]

Yea, what's the budget ?

[Supercharged Riot]

Budget is no more than $8 - 9k

[ACUDANUT]

Good luck

[JB400]

Used truck market.  Watch out for 5.4 Fords.  Factory plugs break off in the heads. They're a two piece design.  They can get pricey to change.  After that, they're alright.  Haven't seen too many problems with chevys or dodges.  Chevy's do get a little bit better gas mileage than the others, but they're going to cost you more due to popularity, but they keep their resale high.  94-01 dodges their dashes literally fall to pieces.  Higher mileage 94-01 Dodges do have a tranny issue.  02 and newer dodges, get the hemi.  The 4.7 has oiling problems.  02 doges still run the 5.9, which is also good.  Can't tell you anything about that other truck designed by the japs.  That's all i know coming from someone that goes to the auctions, and drives what the dealers sell at the local used car lots.

[rebby]

Dodge Ram w/a Cummins Turbo Diesel and 6-speed manual!!!!

In all honesty though, you're probably just looking for a basic 1/2 ton. Although, if you're up for a Cummins, you can pick up a late-90's model in that price range.

[Aero426]

Do you want a truck capable of pulling an open or enclosed trailer once the car is completed?     If NOT, I'd go with a smaller pickup like a Ranger or Dakota (nice ones are cheap, and this is what the parts houses use)  - or dare I say even a Grand Caravan.   With the rear seats out, you can fit a LOT of stuff in the back of a minivan, and it is weather protected too.    As far as hauling an engine,  you are not going to need that capacity for that more than once or twice.  Small pickup would still do it - look at what all the parts houses use.    Or you can always rent or borrow a small utility trailer if needed.      

Fuel mileage in 1/2 ton and up gas trucks is tough.  You're looking at avg mileage in the mid to high teens on a good day.    I have a 04 Ram 2500 gas 2wd.  Nice truck, but I get 10 to 13 around town.   But I need it for an enclosed trailer.    It would kill my wallet to drive it every day.  

Bottom line is that if the "status" of a full size truck is not important to you, you would have several thousand more dollars to put into your Charger right off the bat.    Money you spend on a depreciating daily driver is money taken away from your goal.  

[41husk]

Dodge Ram w/a Cummins Turbo Diesel and 6-speed manual!!!!

In all honesty though, you're probably just looking for a basic 1/2 ton. Although, if you're up for a Cummins, you can pick up a late-90's model in that price range.

I love mine 8k gets close to 20 mpg empty.  I will see how it does towing this weekend.

[Indygenerallee]

Buy a Cummins, you don't want a gasser you will have better MPG and will have a better towing capacity.

[kab69440]

I picked up a small block 88 Chevy 2500 for just over a grand. It works.

[charger_fan_4ever]

Where you located ?

I have a 97 ram sport 2500 4x4 cummins 12v diesel automatic geared 3.54. 160k miles i'm the second owner.
Put new ball joints and new luke links problem solver joints,new calipers/rotors/pads/front shocks/front wheel bearings, batteries,2 new relays for the grid heater. Full load blows cold a/c. Leaks a little diesel near the fuel filter and cruise does not work(broken vac line) I took the front cover off and tabbed the dowl pin and put in a new front seal.Gets 21-3mpg highway at 65mph. All stock pump has never been opened.

$8000 takes it.



$8000 takes it

[Cooter]

All trucks have issues, I think you just want to have as little amount as possible. I like my Ram 2500. Didn't think I would, but it grew on me.
Best truck i think I got right now is my 1994 Toyota. I've had three 440's in the bed. It was hurtin', but towed the line.

[chargerboy69]

Where you located ?

I have a 97 ram sport 2500 4x4 cummins 12v diesel automatic geared 3.54. 160k miles i'm the second owner.
Put new ball joints and new luke links problem solver joints,new calipers/rotors/pads/front shocks. Full load blows cold a/c. Leaks a little diesel near the fuel filter. I took the front cover off and tabbed the dowl pin and put in a new front seal.Gets 21-3mpg highway at 65mph. All stock pump has never been opened.

$8000 takes it

Not a bad deal.



You may also try any of the 1990's/early 2000's Chevy or GMC 1500's.  The Z71 from that era is a great truck, and very reliable. I have had a few of them and they will run like new at 250,000 miles. You can not go wrong with a 350 Chevy.

Dodges from the 1990's though at least 2007 (maybe newer), have the worst transmissions ever and front end issues. And thats being nice.

[41husk]

Where you located ?

I have a 97 ram sport 2500 4x4 cummins 12v diesel automatic geared 3.54. 160k miles i'm the second owner.
Put new ball joints and new luke links problem solver joints,new calipers/rotors/pads/front shocks. Full load blows cold a/c. Leaks a little diesel near the fuel filter. I took the front cover off and tabbed the dowl pin and put in a new front seal.Gets 21-3mpg highway at 65mph. All stock pump has never been opened.

$8000 takes it.

If you are close, I would at least take a look I love my 97



$8000 takes it

[charger_fan_4ever]

I have a feeling i'm not close lol. I'm Canuck side 45 minutes the other side of the newport VT border in Quebec.

In 2 years i have put 6000 miles on it. I bought it for plowing our driveway in the winter, hauling firewood ect. Price of fuel up here i only drive it when I need to haul something. In the summer on nice days i drive my mustang, so the truck is really a third vehicule. A forth once the charger is done lol.

I have not actually put it up for sale locally, but i have been toying with the idea of a 98+ 24V as i'd like a quad cab short box and good luck trying to find a early 98 12v quad cab short box. Kind of scared of the VP44, but damn i like the looks of the short box sports. From what i have gathered running an aftermarket lift pump helps the Vp pump survive.

If i was loaded i'd just get a 24v truck that has been converted to a p pump.  

[Supercharged Riot]

All trucks have issues, I think you just want to have as little amount as possible. I like my Ram 2500. Didn't think I would, but it grew on me.
Best truck i think I got right now is my 1994 Toyota. I've had three 440's in the bed. It was hurtin', but towed the line.

That might be what im leaning towards at the moment
I really wont be carrying much other than an engine

Id love to have something big enough (v8) to tow my charger, which wouod require a much bigger truck
But u do nit have the space for something that big

[rebby]

Where you located ?

I have a 97 ram sport 2500 4x4 cummins 12v diesel automatic geared 3.54. 160k miles i'm the second owner.
Put new ball joints and new luke links problem solver joints,new calipers/rotors/pads/front shocks/front wheel bearings, batteries. Full load blows cold a/c. Leaks a little diesel near the fuel filter. I took the front cover off and tabbed the dowl pin and put in a new front seal.Gets 21-3mpg highway at 65mph. All stock pump has never been opened.

$8000 takes it.



$8000 takes it

THERE is your new truck! 12v Cummins, can't go wrong w/that.

[41husk]

Unless you have to drive to Cannada to get it

[charger_fan_4ever]

Unless you have to drive to Cannada to get it

Ya seems to usually be vice versa. Us Canadians buying south of the border.

My charger came from the U.S along with about 6 vintage sleds. My last car purchase was 12 hours and a province away.

If i do end up selling the 97 i will probably try and pick up a 98+sport in the south. Fly down and drive back.

[41husk]

Good luck! I sold my 68 to Australia, but he did not fly in and drive it home