If this post looks familiar, I've posted it in another forum as well.

In '85 I bought a new '84 model Chevy 1/2 ton 4WD 3spd manual with the 305. The mpg's were like the 350 but with no power. It had electrical gremlins that would never show up long enough for the dealer to diagnose, but often enough to leave me stranded with a truck that wouldn't start on occasion. I sold it two years later and moved back to my home state.

There I bought a '77 F-150 2WD with the C-6 AT and the 302. I wish I still had that truck. Other than the fender cancer, it was one of the best vehicles I ever owned.

Now I'm in the market again. I'd like a good used extendedcab (strictly for leg room) to pull a light utility trailer with; a 6x12 around 3500# loaded. Preferably a shortbed. Fuel mpg's are a concern, but it seems that V-6 Rangers don't really do much better than 1/2 tons. And I notice that a V-6 in the 1/2 ton doesn't do any better than the V-8's, and for that matter the 4.6 isn't really any different mpg wise than the 5.4.

What I would like to hear from you all is what to avoid. Are there any "lemon" years? One engine better than the other, especially considering that I'm looking at vehicles with 150,000+ on them? Should I consider pre-1997 over the '97-'03 era? I generally try to avoid first year model vehicles, just so the manufacturer can get the bugs worked out. But I'm finding a plethora of 1997 models out there. If I go 4WD would I be ahead to get the older model with the manual transfer case over the newer ones with the electric switch?

The list of questions could go on, but I'll sit back to see what you all have to say. Thanks and I look forward to your responses.

-Slim

p.s. I'm intrigued by the I-6 300 engine, but with the probable highway miles I'll do, the V engines will probably do much better in the mpg department. Yeah or nay?
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