I had a 1990 dually idi but sold it, I don't need and don't want a dually, i've been without a truck for a couple of years and like having a truck, so i am looking at 2005ish gas f250/350's or a 7.3 idi again, any suggestions or ideas. I work 2.6 miles from my house, but my cabin is about 100 miles from my house and that is the biggest reason i like having as truck is working on the cabin , hauling a deer to the processor....
I loved my big red truck, they way prices are i'm tempted to buy any old cheap ford truck and dro-p and new motor and transmission in it and go from there??? any insight is welcome

 

For comfort, buy the newer truck with the better suspension, better interior, and better door seals.

 

agreed. the 99 and newer trucks are like riding in a car.

 

Know that 2005 would be a 5.4l 3 valve engine if you stuck with gas. The 5.4l 3Vs blew spark plugs out of the head and were known to have bad cam phasers. If you stick with a gas truck I'd get a 97-03. Those trucks had the 5.4l 2V, a better engine IMHO.

 

the 2 valve had spark plug issues also. but the problem is from people that change the plugs and either leave them loose, or tighten them down ripping the threads out of the heads.
i have changed over 100 sets of plugs on 5.4 and 4.6 engines and not once had any blow out because i used proper torque settings on the plugs

 

Not to argue Olds, but the 2V blew plugs out. The 3V had plugs break off and get stuck in the head. Plugs were redesigned in 08/09 I think, as my 09 F150 takes a different plug than my brothers 06 F150