Used truck wisdom

[rylon]

First off I love the site, was referred by a co-worker and now I check it out every night!! Amazing info here, although it makes me want to spend way too much!!

So to the point, the wife and I are house hunting and we are looking to save some money by buying a fixer upper. In doing so I know I will need a truck for all the renovations so I'm starting my research. Looking to buy used and keep around as a second vehicle for projects or light hauling (motorcycle) I'm not afraid of a project just looking for some words of wisdom as for what to avoid. (ie this year of truck has bad transmissions etc.)

Thanks for all the help and the great forum.
Rylon

 

[markzrt1]

2 or 4 wheel drive? Maybe around a 2003 2 wheel drive Silverado?

 

[rylon]

I'm open to either 2 or 4 wheel drive depending on the price. It would be nice to have the 4x4 for trips to the mountain.

I was thinking something older, this is going to be a second vehicle so I'm not looking to spend a ton.

Rylon

 

[brwbier]

There are many fine used trucks to be found almost anywhere. The trick is to know how to look at them. If they have it warmed up when you get there, walk away. Look under the truck, is it leaking anything? A little is OK, a lot, walk away. Is it too clean under the hood for the mileage? You have to wonder, was it leaking. Are the tires worn evenly across? Do the fluids look like its been serviced on a regular basis? Does it generally look appropriate for the use is had?
The questions in your post are generally for a truck a couple of years old, after that repeat problems tend to be cleared up. If its got higher mileage it most likely will last a while longer if its been serviced regularly. A little beat up doesn't matter, its a truck.
Brwbier

 

[APEowner]

For a second vehicle that's primarily used as a truck it's hard to beat a full size American made 1/2 ton truck with an 8' foot bed. I find the regular cabs on the older Dodge trucks to be a little cramped but full size trucks are something that the American manufacturers got right and never really screwed up even during the dark days of the 80's.

I'm partial to the Ford F150s with the injected 300 six and manual trans for the usage you describe. They were rock solid, got decent millage and if you weren't in a hurry would do anything a reasonable person would ask of a 1/2 ton truck. Any Chevy with small block v8 will be a good truck. Same with the Dodges although, as I said, I find the cabs a little cramped.

I would encourage you to get an 8' bed. Since you want it primarily as a truck it's silly to limit it's usefulness with a short bed.

 

[brownbagg]

get you an older toyota, or better yet like a 66 chevy

 

[D.J.]

APEowner: Why are you so set against short bed pickups? In a full sized AMERICAN SHORTBED truck I can haul a full sized sheet of plywood just the same as you only I get to leave my tailgate down. Now then it comes to non standard 12' lengths yes you would be better equiped but I could tie Maggies Drawers (red flag) on my load and have a reciever extension and haul those too. Ford rock solid, I thought Chevy's were "like a rock". Just my attempt at humor!
Merry Christmas everyone!
D.J.
________
250 gas gift cards

 

[Jey]

the '99+ silverado's are going pretty cheap. They produced a lot of work trucks in that era, reg cab, long bed, you could find a good one for 3k or less I would bet.

 

[APEowner]

Why are you so set against short bed pickups?

We tend to get a little touchy about our trucks don't we? I didn't intend to offend the many happy short bed truck owners out there.

In this part of the country if you're planing on using a truck for a truck you need either a tonneau cover or a cap/topper/shell (whatever it's called in your region) or your going to be limited by the weather and if the stuff you're hauling won't fit under whatever cover you've got you have the same problem. Also, in my mind (which is admittedly a strange place that's not necessarily representative of the real world) if I'm going to buy a truck to use as a truck I want as much of the truck part as I can get.

Having said all that (or typed it) if you have enough dry weather that you can count on being able to use the truck uncovered more or less when you want to then D.J. makes some good points. It's all about compromise and priority. If a 2 wheel drive, big block, short bed Chevy would work for my truck needs my Super Duty would be down the road so fast....

 

[D.J.]

Point well taken! You have a excellent point about the toppers! It is so much easier to find used full sized anything than finding replacements for the "Shorty".
________
Portable vaporizors

 

[rieferman]

APEowner's point is a good one. If truck will have double duty (i.e. dropping kids off at school sometimes, commuting/meetings etc.) I can see having extended cab, but if it can strictly be a work truck and nothing else... the 8 foot bed with a cap would be my choice. A cap with a roof rack actually. I'd go Silverado probably as the used prices are very attractive.

 

[rylon]

Thanks for all the replies, and so quick. I was leaning to the straight 6 F150 as I have heard good things about them in the past.

Didn't know about the Chevy work trucks being so cheap. I will defiantly give it a good inspection before making a purchase, I'm no mechanic but I like to think I'm not a fool either. And thanks for the point about having it warmed up when I get there, hadn't thought about that.

Thanks for all the good responses, keep them coming!!

Rylon

 

[Falcon67]

Caps are a PITA, IMHO. Just as soon as you pop for one, you'll need to stick something in the bed that won't fit. ESPECIALLY for a house reno. I've had regular cab and super cab pickups and I will not be without a super cab (4 door - Ford Super Crew to be exact) for the rest of my life. They are just too damn handy. Most have a short 5' bed, but I have not found that to be an issue. Hell, even our new Ranger has 4 doors. Regular cab is fine if it's just a junk truck - then get a late 70s, early 80s beater for that. After owning my first 4 door, the extend cab trucks come off as just lame.

 

[Red Green]

I agree with the sugestion of the 300 six ford with a manual. Also the long box when I put down the tail gate I can haul 10ft sheets of drywall. If you find a SuperCab with a long box it could be useful as a second vehicle.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Thanks for all the replies, and so quick. I was leaning to the straight 6 F150 as I have heard good things about them in the past.
Rylon

The Ford 300ci six was a good engine, very durable and a decent amount of power. I'd go for a full size bed myself - if the vehicle is meant as a second vehicle mainly used for hauling, you may as well have as much hauling space as possible. I've hauled motorcycles in a short bed truck before, but you have to put them in at an angle to get the tailgate closed - with the long bed truck I have now that's not a problem, and I can haul two bikes side by side if I want. Also, if you go to the lumber yard for plywood or drywall it's better to be able to simply slide the 4x8 sheets in the bed and then close the tailgate, rather than leaving the tailgate down and then having to tie the load down so it won't slide out.

 

[Cobra4B]

Will it become primary transportation for you? (i.e. daily driver)

Do you get snow in your area? (2wd vs. 4wd)

Are you tall?

I'm tall, have no snow, no kids, and use my truck as my DD, thus I have a 2WD extended cab mid-size truk. Fits my needs perfectly and gets 25 mpg on the highway.

If I was buying a work truck to keep around the house and only use for projects I'd buy an old F-150 extended cab w/ the 8-ft bed 2WD. I'm too tall for standard cab trucks.

If I lived in a snowy area I'd get a 4x4 for sure.

 

[38Chevy454]

As a truck to haul stuff, the long bed is a better choice. Not as stylish, and with ex-cab it can be pretty long, but the extra bed area is what you need. Full size for sure as many have said, don't mess with small or mid size. I think just about any of the Big 3 are fine for what you want, just get the best deal you can find. I like the pre-97 Fords better than the newer ones as the newer ones are a PITA to work on the engine which is about half under the cowl. My wife's 97 Expedition is not fun to work on. The 99-up GMs have the LS engines which are real nice.

 

[neverenoughtools]

My first truck purchase was a 3 yr old 99 f150 4.2 v6 supercab 8' bed. It has been a good to me. I have 190.000 mi on it so far. In October I purchased an 06 F150 Supercrew Lariat 4x4 5.4 Triton 5.5' bed with a bed extender. Man what a step up from the old one. One of the reasons for the new truck is that my 15 yr old is now 6'1 and when in the back seat he has to sit sideways to fit. I'm 6'4 and the supercab has lots of leg room up front but now being spoiled by the new truck I will never be able to purchase anything lesser !!

 

[D.J.]

Yes I'll have to vote with the extended cab or larger versions have a 1990 Chevy Ext cab short bed setting in the backyard right now. Ranger ext cab short bed also both (4X2's) aren't being used right at this moment but if energy prices would fall I could bring them out of storage (dream on!). Driving a 1996 Dodge Stratus for economy reasons right now! Good Luck on your purchase whatever that may be.
________
Yamaha Sw396

 

[ymerej]

When I was looking for a truck a few years ago I was thinking that I wanted a Toyota Tacoma because everyone said they last forever. I particularly remember looking a three year old one with the SR5 package, extended cab, 4wd, etc. priced at $22k. It was a very nice truck. Others were similarly priced. I then went down the street and found a three year old Ford Ranger that was only 2wd and didn't have the extended cab, but it was also only $11k. I don't have any kids (yet), and it doesn't snow enough in central MD to need 4wd, so I couldn't justify spending twice as much on a vehicle I was going to drive daily, tow broken down VW's, and haul furniture when I/ my friends moved over the next few years. Nearly four years later and I'm still glad I chose the Ranger over the Tacoma.

I do find the Ranger a bit small for carrying large loads, but it can handle 4x8 sheets without much trouble. The biggest problem I have is carrying groceries and my wife, especially when it's raining (no cover on the bed). The 3.0 V6 isn't hugely powerful, but I've never not been able to do anything, and it get's about 22mpg on every tank. When I have kids, I'll probably trade it for something similar with an extended cab.

Unless you want to have the biggest baddest truck around, I would probably look at a basic 1/2 ton Ford/ Chevy/ Dodge with a V6 engine. You only really need a V8 if you're towing heavy stuff. Hauling the occasional load of bricks in the bed of the truck will break the frame/ bed before the V6 won't make it home.

 

[rylon]

It does snow around here but I grew up in Ohio driving a 2WD Chevy S-10 and had no trouble so I could manage it if I had to. But if price permits I would like to have the 4x4 option.

It will be a second vehicle for now, things may change you never know, and when we do have a family we can take another look at the situation. I'll just keep an eye on the used market and see what I can find.

Thanks again for all the input and opinions, keep up the good work.
Rylon

 

[lawfarm]

I think everyone's recommendations are on the mark. The reg cab/extended cab is up to you. I'd look for a fullsize, with an 8' bed if possible (but I wouldn't make the bed a deal-killer). I'd go Ford or Chevy, 4x4, as new as you can afford.

I would not sacrifice the 4x4...you will miss it.

The 8' bed is certainly more useful...but you can drop the tailgate and make up for the lack of room. You can't make up for 2wd.

I would also go full size. Yes, Rangers and the like can do many things...but a full size 1/2 ton is significantly more capable.

Finally, my "ford or chevy" comment. I've had and driven both, from many vintages. If they're in good shape, hard to go wrong with either. My first 'I bought it' truck was a 95 F-150, longbed, regular cab, 4x4 with a stick and the 300 I6. Couldn't kill it if you tried. It was a great truck. Similar vintage Chevys are also good trucks.

Although I personally drive a Toyota Tundra (now), and my last truck before this was a Ram, I would stick with Ford and Chevy. Easier parts availability, cheaper to buy and own, etc.

 

[BWS]

I've had 2-F150,2wd,manual,300's........both got around 300k.....beat the livin chit out of both.The '81's trans finally gave it up and junkyards around here,at that time were sellin those trans to 4 wheelers hot N heavy.So between that and just beat up body it went.The '91 was fuel infected,much better in that respect.It had a hyd clutch which has a quick disc. on slave,but throwout bearing design was poor IMO.I put clutches in both......it was a tossup on which was better?The funny thing about above vehicles is their fuel milage,it didn't seem to matter whether they were loaded or empty...with a decent tune I'd get @22mpg.BW

 

[sdb3023]

Now I am partial to ford....dont mean to stir up a nest here but a Ranger will do just about anything you want it to..my little four cylinder(with 8 spark plugs) has hauled a 1000lb irrigation pump down the road at 70 mph(i didn't know it was 1000lbs at the time until i got to the dump and unloaded, man she was squatting) and still gotten 20mpg, shes only 2wd(four would be nice but i just drive smarter, driven her for three years through winters in buffalo, ny only gotten stuck once and it was my own dam fault) for a second truck a ranger or f150 with a six will be more then ample to your needs. I have worked on my brothers Chevys and my best friends Dodge, i still like my ford the most.

 

[Auzivision]

If you are looking for a secondary vehicle and will be using it as a truck, I’d vote for a 2 wheel drive V8 with an 8 ft standard cab and a topper.

Reasons:

2 WD is cheaper, less complicated, better gas mileage, lower maintenance, and perfectly capable 95% of the time if not more depending on where you live and drive.

8 foot bed holds more stuff period… and not just talking plywood (dirt, mulch, furniture, tools, whatever)

Topper adds versatile… can haul and store stuff in all weather conditions and also less likely to have stuff disappear. I have an easy on/off system and find I have it on more often then off. Great for Costco runs in the rain.

Standard cabs are cheaper, smaller, and more fuel efficient. They have room for two or three, but I usually find myself driving alone. Chances are if I have company, I’m not working and don’t need to be in a truck.

Bottom line trucks make great 2nd or 3rd vehicles. They are handier than a shirt pocket and relatively cheap to own, drive, and maintain.

Oh yeah… I’m biased toward GMC!

 

[Sammy7]

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. My original budget was $5,000, but all I could find were beaters in suspect condition. After raising my budget twice, I found an F-150 for $13,000. I think I made the right choice since I've spent virtually noting on repairs and I have something that I'm embarrassed to be seen in if I need to use it as a daily driver for a bit.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Another possibility, depending on what your primary vehicle is and if you can put a hitch on it, is to get a 4x8 utility trailer. It would be cheaper, less maintenance and wouldn't take up as much space when it's not being used. However, they're not as much fun as a pickup.

 

[flesburg]

I have had a Suburban since 96 (It is a 95). I have averaged a little over 10,000 miles per year. Use it for hauling all kinds of stuff, from 9 family members on a Zoo trip, with the third seat installed and a couple of big kids on the floor behind the third seat, to 20 sheets of drywall, 8 or 9 sheets of 3/4" mdf (49"x97" believe it or not) to cement, mulch, 30 or 40 2x4s in one trip etc etc. One of the thinks I like is it is a truck and when cleaned up good is a huge station wagon. And on top of all of that, on rural interstates at 9 over speed limit I get almost 20mpg. However when towing my track car I get about 8. Love the truck.

 

[tcianci]

There is good reason for the American 8 foot standard Pickup as your choice...here are a few things I did to mine to make it a great work truck and perfect DD.
1) 8 foot bed with a bed mat, stuff won't slide around, you can peel it out of there if you need to clean.
2) Cross bed toolbox FROM A SMALLER TRUCK so you can mount it BETWEEN the bed rails and flush with the top of the bed. I know they make recessed cross bed boxes but the ones I saw had a stupid leg in the middle and the outer supports were less than 4' apart so that nixes the plywood in the bed with the gate closed idea.
3) Removable ladder racks...the type that have the bases permanently mounted to the bed and you just drop the legs of the rack into the bases when you need them. Most are rated for 250 lbs which is a pretty good amount of long 2x4's and such and of course, you can even carry ladders! The bases are below the top of the bed, I mounted mine with one base at the back of the bed and the other base just behind the cross bed tool box. I didn't want to pull the box more toward the rear of the truck to let me install the base up in the front corner of the bed because I needed the length for my miter saw stand.
4) Roll up tonneau cover. I got a Truxsport on ebay and it was a great deal. The back rail snaps down to hold it in place, the sides close with Velcro. It opens and closes in seconds, rolls up nicely behind the back glass and as I have pointed out, my other bed accessories all are below the top of the bed rails so when you close the tonneau, you would never know about the work truck accessories under there or the tools that are always in the bed.

So, I have managed to set the truck up for work or just transportation, I can run it through the car wash with the cover on and everything stays dry and my stuff is out of sight.

BTW its a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 2wd regular cab long bed. I have been driving since 1970 and this is truly the most impressive and trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. It has 183,000 miles now, leaks nothing, uses no oil, everything still works and it is comfortable and quiet. You would be hard pressed to beat a GM LS engine, and it will still turn in 20+ mpg on the highway with all my stuff in the bed. I know some guys here would puke but it also is still running the original belts, hoses, antifreeze, ****** fluid and brake fluid. This truck is worked every day in my remodeling business so it is truly part of how I make money and while I'm still impressed with it I really couldn't work well with anything less. I also know someday it will go to that big junkyard in the sky and I can only hope that my next truck will be as good.

 

[akdiesel]

I have to disagree with the late 80's and early 90's trucks. Bad suspension, paint and cheap trannies on both Chevy and Fords. As for Dodge the 12v diesel trucks can be beat for power but the trannies are junk.
Any 6 cylinder engine in the 80's and early 90's seemed to be a power monger and needed more care to keep them up and running.
There has been some comments on the '99 Ford 150's. Good vehicles untill you have to work on the motor. Half the engine is under the dash. The coil set up for each cylinder is a great idea but they have a tendancy of going out every 40,000 miles and can run $60.00 each if you change them your self. The ignition key is a computer key that can cost upwards of $150 to replace and can cause problems if you don't get the correct one.
I would suggest a 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton or 1 ton long bed 70's or ealry 80's truck. Preferably Chevy, Ford, Dodge in that order.
Reason being.
-They are alot cheaper to repair and can be done by your self.
-Parts are easy to find at the stores or at a junk yard.
-No electronics to worry about.
-Better resale value than a 2 wheel if you choose to sell.
-Heavy enough to haul most equipment / campers for future needs.

I have seen lots of older trucks in good condition in the northwest area for reasonable prices.

 

[mad57]

Pick up an 80s chevy 4x4 pick up cheap drop in a jasper or gm new block ... q.q. or antique tag it, insurance is so cheap like 100 bucks for a yr full coverage, use it for home chores ect. will last for ever and still be functional. good luck.

 

[rylon]

Tags and insurance are another thing that I have to worry about, and do more research on. I like the idea about antique tags and the bed liner, but am a little worried about age because in my area we need to pass emissions checks and that could be a pain. I also like the idea of fuel injection as it's less of a hassle and deals with the cold better (think mountain temps when snowboarding) The new tonneau covers are amazing, and I like the idea about using a tool box from a smaller truck. I also like the topper/cap idea with a lift, have to see what the new garage looks like once we get a house, may be a good project to use the space between the ceiling and the garage door.

Thanks again for all the good ideas and input, it is helping a lot!!
Rylon

 

[Doug B]

I drove a 1995 f-150 I6 5 speed 4x2 ex cab 8 ft bed for almost 5 years.It was the best truck I have ever owned. When gas was $4.50 a gallon,I stepped down to a Ranger,and it's OK, but now I'm looking for another 1/2 ton.
Personally, I can't get by without the extended cab,but I am in the truck every day. Lunch,paperwork, extra gear,tie down straps,tow chain- everything goes behind the seat and stayes dry and secure inside the truck.
I have a cap that goes on in the winter (hate shoveling snow out of the back)and off for the spring-summer-fall.
As far as what to watch out for,I have heard that the 4.2 ford engines (97 and up) are prone to exhaust manifold gasket trouble,but I have no personal experience here....just what I know from friends with this engine.
Good luck truck shopping! let us know what you get!

 

[91FE]

... or antique tag it, insurance is so cheap like 100 bucks for a yr full coverage, use it for home chores ect. will last for ever and still be functional. good luck.

I'm pretty sure your not allowed to haul anything in a truck with a classic car or antique tag in PA. Just saying...

 

[hetkind]

For your stated needs, light truck, building materials, motorcycles and such I have several recommendations based my experience.

to meet your stated needs, 1/2 ton, two wheel drive, short or long bed, standard cab, virtually any engine and transmission...

and of brands will get you there, I would be on condition and features. Four wheel drive will add quite a bit to the cost of the truck, but limited slip and good tires for the conditions present will get MOST of the functionality you need.

I own three pickups

1962 Dodge M37 Military Power Wagon (3/4 ton military rating, 1 ton civilian rating), standard cab, short bed, four wheel drive, flat head six with 900x16 original tire size and 24volt electrical system.

1968 Dodge D100 Utiline Pickup, 318/727, suregrip and mud tires on the back

2007 Dodge Ram 1500ST, short bed, six cylinder, six speed, two wheel drive

I use the power wagon as a winter truck, when needed in the mountains, the 68 Utiline as a basic work truck (tows very nicely with the v-8, automatic and has a tall sideboards) and the 07 Ram as my daily drive and materials runner. The nearest lumberyard/building materials is a 50 mile round trip.

Warning, don't buy more truck than you need, if you need to haul long materials, rent, borrow or buy a flatbed trailer versus sizing your truck for the rare use. A 20' flatbed, twin axle trailer is under 2k brand new and that is less than the cost difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive.

To haul a motorcycle, the compact trucks (like Toyota Tacoma or S10) work great since they are lower and easier to load, and they can tow a 3,500lb trailer also.

I personally like Dodges, but have owned full size truck and vans made by Dodge, Ford and Chevy, plus put 215k miles on a toyota pickup and my brother put 200k on a Previa van (with my help on the maintenance).

While I like shortbed truck for the majority of my needs, a longbed standard cab, 1/2 ton 2wd will be the most cost effective truck for your needs.

Howard

 

[Mikea57]

I'm pretty sure your not allowed to haul anything in a truck with a classic car or antique tag in PA. Just saying...

WHAT?!?!? You're kidding, right?? Gosh-da**ed gubamint!!!! It's MY TRUCK!!! Why can't I carry what I WANT in MY TRUCK!!! I don't care how old, what color it is or what...

 

[Mikea57]

Hey Auzivision,
Not to hijack Rylon's thread or anything but I sure would like to see the pulley arrangement you're using for raising that topper off that truck. I can kind of see the other side but not real well and I've been thinking about something like that myself. THANKS!!!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Mike

 

[91FE]

WHAT?!?!? You're kidding, right?? Gosh-da**ed gubamint!!!! It's MY TRUCK!!! Why can't I carry what I WANT in MY TRUCK!!! I don't care how old, what color it is or what...

Nope. From Penndot:

USE OF ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC REGISTRATION PLATES
The use of antique and classic plates is governed by Section 1340 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code which states: “It is
unlawful for any person to operate a motorcycle or vehicle with antique and classic registration plates for general daily
transportation. Permitted use shall be limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional
transportation and similar uses.” Occasional transportation and similar uses is defined as one day a week.
Although buses and trucks are eligible for Antique and Classic plates, buses MAY NOT be used to transport passengers and
trucks MAY NOT haul cargo.

 

[69satelite]

I agree with the utility trailer I have one and no use for the truck I used to have

 

[neverenoughtools]

If anyone is looking for a fold up tonneau check out the Extang site.....I just installed their Trifecta cover.....a 4 min. job with no tools or holes to drill. woohoo