Hey all,
I recently retired my '94 F150, 5.0 4x4 ZF5 swap. I loved the truck, a tad light for hauling gravel and trailers on occasion but it always did the job. I acquired it in 2004 already near the end of its life corrosion-wise, and even with sandblasting and painting the frame / spring hangers/ two body mounts / rocker panels / fenders / bed / bumpers / hood, there was just no stopping the cancer. So out came the ZF and to the crusher it went.

I'm looking for a new truck now, budget about $5k - $8k, but really know nothing about the newer trucks. There's a 4x4 97 250HD down the street for $1500, blown up E4 trans in it, and i'm tempted to install my ZF there (i did the swap myself on the 94 and saved most everything i would need)...but that's just what I know.

How much better are the newer trucks, and what should I look for? I hear the 7.3 powerstroke is great but I know nothing about maintenance costs and difficulty, I do most everything myself.
Also would really prefer a stick..but it looks like this makes the hunt even more difficult.

 

There are many options from my standpoint:

I'll just introduce myself as Beau and that I currently own a 2004 5.4 F150 with 93K miles on it, had it since 63K on it. I love that thing, can do anything anywhere anytime. It started yesterday in -22 temps, no sweat even with the ignition issues I've been having. (Plugs needing replacement) As it sits, mine is worth about 12K, but I've seen similar ones go for 9-14K. I can swear that these trucks are dependable, from my experience.

7.3 Diesel

I've seen these things go 400K miles without the engine being touched, ever. My dad swears by them and hes more of a ... Dodge guy.... yep I said it. He is also a mechanic of 26 years and has owned his own garage for that long as well. Personally, I love the 7.3 but they can require some pretty costly maintenance such as: glow plugs/injectors/fuel pump but you can scoop up a really nice one for 10-12k but could find a contractor or company truck for 8k~ with lots of miles

There is a third route,

Could buy salvaged through a dealer and repair yourself or buy it repaired. Usually cheaper and if you're going to keep it, can find a nice one in your price range, but there's always a small gamble to that. My dad fixes and sells them, so as far as damage wise and cost wise. I'm experienced enough to know what's affordable to fix and what's not, but use caution.