So I have compiled a list of things i want in a truck and a price range. Im very new to trucks but not new to offroading. I am selling my current Jeep and am looking for in your opinion the best truck(any make or model) that I can get for under or at 7,000. I want to get it stock because I'm planning on putting a 3 in suspension lift and maybe a body lift. My jeep had 35x12.5 tires on it and I dont want to put the truck on tires that big. Im kind of lost in the sense of what year to look at and what make would be the best for the money. Im willing to buy a truck with high mileage if it is a truck that will still last a good while. I want it to be in good cosmetic condition and I want the interior to look pretty nice. Any opinions? anything to stay away from? I dont want a truck newer than 2002 because I dont need something that new but I want it to look attractive with a lift on it. So in other words looks are just as important to me as performance because I have a designated offroad vehicle already.I want it to be able to haul my dirtbikes to my favorite mudding pits and get dirty on occasion. Please help me I am completely lost. Thank you

 

do you prefer fuel injected or carbed? ford only trucks? I would recommend the 92-96 f150 or 250. you could buy a hell of a nice truck for 7,000 in those model years.

 

I really don't know what i prefer. This is my first truck so im kinda lost. All i have ever driven is wranglers. I just want the best looking, most reliable truck for under 7000 any make or model i live the 1997 silverado body style and the 1995 f150 body style, i hate downsloping hoods though some of the 2000-04 f150's have a car like front end and i cant stand that. Im in college so it needs to be reliable and being a head turned would be nice too. thanks for all the help

 

I find that the less complicated the system the less it breaks down. I prefer carbed vehicles, as I've had way way fewer problems with them vs. any fuel injected vehicle. I could be wrong but I think for trucks Ford started fuel injection in 85, Dodge in 88, and Chevy in 88. I personally have had terrible luck with any Chevy truck, Had near nothing for issues on Dodge trucks other then the body rusting off. and Ford has been hit and miss on drivetrains and bodies. I also find the amount of chrome is in direct proportion to the number of breakdowns my car has, so chrome does get you home .
And if you're looking for a 4x4 I've had the best luck with Dodge Ramchargers/Traildusters. They are very stable off road and can handle the abuse well, but they don't fit on Jeep trails, unless you force it The Ford Highboys of the late 70's look pretty sweet too. Personally I think any 70's-early 80's 4x4 truck Ford or Dodge would be a good bet and they don't have sloped hoods. You can pick up some nice examples for either for around the $3000 mark, so you'd have plenty of money left to do whatever you want to them. That is just my experience and my 2 cents.

 

So not to jack the thread, but I too am looking for a different truck. I want a carburated engine, with overdrive auto. non- rack and pinion steering 2wd or 4wd short wheelbase and if possible a stepside. I usually deal in late 50's-early 70's stuff so I'm still learning the newer stuff. Not sure if a truck like this exists.

 

Get a '73-'79 F-100-F350 Ford Truck.
If you want a 4x4, you're best with this generation.
Here's a Picture of one:

Here is a 4x4 Crew-Cab:

The term is FlareSide when referring to Ford.
You'd also better go with the '73-'79s.
You gonna always get a carburetor-ed engine, you can get FlareSide 4x4, If Ya want.
Here's some pictures of some nice ones:


And, If ya like Super-Cabs:



Here's a Super-Cab 4x4 ShortBed:

Your Engine Choices Were:
300ci Inline-6 Cylinder. (The 240ci I6 was standard, the 300 was an option)
302ci V8
360ci FE V8 (You love FEs) '73-'76 Only
390ci FE V8 (You love FEs) '73-'76 Only
400ci V8 '77-'84
351ci Modified '77-'84
351ci Windsor
460ci V8
Your Transmission Types were:
3-Speed Automatic.
4-Speed Standard
Just swap in a 4-Speed Automatic...

 

I have heard them called flareside and stepside, figured it just depended on the generation, shows what I know. I like 80-86 flare side a little better, round fenders on a square truck looks kinda weird to me. I'm curious if the 83-84's had the AOD's on the 302's? I actually really like my 86, the thing turns on a dime, has decent power and gets great economy, and is comfortable. Guess I'm kinda getting stuck on the idea of getting a 4wd as well, even though its fun off-roading in my 2wd 86. Unfortunately if I'm going to get something else other things must go, unless I go rob a liqour store or something.
Someday when I have lots of money I'd love to find a 68-72 crew cab. And I have a 460 waiting for it.
Thanks again for the info

 

F-350 4x4 7.3L NA 5 speed.

Do a compression test on the engine, Harbor Freight sells a cheap tool set for this for under $180.00.

Reliable, can tow anything, and usually that model comes loaded. Look for XLT, I have seen the King Ranch and they are really nice, I do not know the year range for that trim line.

Reg. cab for a F-350 is easier to find then reg. cab for a F-250. FWIW.