So im turning 16 pretty soon and decided i need a truck so i can earn my own money over the summer. I plan to do a little 4x4ing with my buddies and not a whole lot of commuting. Do you think the newer body style truck or the older would serve me well. Ive always thought the 1973-79 were a better looking truck.

 

Depends what you want, your budget, ect. If you want an old 4x4 truck you will need to be handy and able to fix it. Chances are better that a 1996 will be more reliable and economical than a 73 -79. But yes, I think the 73 - 79s look way cooler.

 

Both body styles will serve you well. I have owned both and can say that I loved my 83 supercab with 351W/3spd w/overdrive. However, depending on where you live, your choice may be dependent on smog rules. Here in California, pre-76 are the choice of the day. If you lean towards dents, specifically, buy one. You won't regret it. When a man/boy owns his first truck, he will never be without a truck again.

 

Ah yes. Had a '74 Dodge W100 when I was 16, and felt that my life was not complete without this important tool in my life. trailering stuff just wasn't the same

My vote is for the older dent, because they look better, but stuff a more modern EFI engine in it from a '96. The '96 EFI setups were an interesting phase, with OBD II and Mass Airflow Sensors, but older design engines. I stuffed mostly '96 4.9L engine, fuel lines, and fuel tanks into my '78, and have been very happy with it.

 

I also wanted a 67-79 Ford for my 16th. I turned down dads 99 and ended up buying it years down the road. I got my 78' like i asked for and I don't regret that. I have my 90 bronco now too and it usually runs, but if it does go down I'm clueless on the electrical issues. My 78 I can fix it.
I like my bronco, but i vote for the dent also.

 

i'm 17 and i have a 73 f100 2wd 390 C6, but would trade up to a 87-91 f150( if it had all the stuff iwanted), the 73-79s are good work trucks, play trucks, and daily trucks can't go wrong with one( except mpg,most suck)
the newer 87-91 or 92-96 would be a good first truck still built ford tough. with better mpg

 

Yeah i live in south carolina so no inspections, and Im pretty decent with a wrench, but my dad has so much experience working on fords there isnt anything we cant fix.