I've read these board for a while and have learned a lot; thanks for the great advice. Here is my situation: My daily driver is a 91' f150 lariat with the 302. I'm very happy with this truck except that it is 2wd so I can't take it through the Jersey pinelands and it is awful in the snow.

I'm thinking of looking for a 1980-1986 4x4 with the inline 6. I would like to spend under a $1000. It would not be a daily driver. I would use it in the snow and for fishing, canoeing, and exploring the pinelands.

I have learned a lot from my current f150 and I would have a mechanic friend look a truck over before a buy it. What do you guys think? Am I likely to end up dumping thousands into an old truck or is it likely that I could find an old truck that will not need tons of work? Thanks...

 

There are plenty of these trucks still running around,some in pretty good shape.It shoundn't be to hard to find a decent one for around that price. I bought my 84 f350 crewcab 4x4 for $1100.00 off ebay. Just dont be set in stone on equipment or let looks keep you from buying a mechanicaly sound truck.

 

Yeah it shouldnt be too hard to find one it depends on where you live and how good condition the trucks in your area are.. for example is a lot of rust common in your area? good luck on your search