ej1995

Bulletproofed? If not, I would lean elsewhere. Some people like them, but from my experience you can buy a 7.3 truck cheaper and have better service from it. As far as simplistic diesels go, the 12 valve Cummins trucks are great with a manual transmission and unless youre pulling a floating palace of a boat or a camper the size of your house, you shouldn't have any issues.

Fabrik8

Supposedly bulletproofed by the first owner, yes, don't have.much in the way of info.. I'm not sure how many things on the big list were done though, and opinions vary for wants/needs on that engine. My friend said that with that many miles and the common bulletproof mods, it is probably pretty well sorted.
The second owner is not a big car guy and I had to explain what a limited slip was when I asked about it. I can't find anything about the FX2 package on a F-250 and whether an LSD is standard (its standard on the FX4). I'm not really sure what to blue book it at, because I don't know where that package sits in the order of things. Similar to XLT maybe?

There's a hole in the bed for a single stack, and I might reinstall it just to amuse myself by having a bro truck.

I'll look into the 7.3 also, but I'm already getting far over to the side of overkill just by getting a 250 in the first place. I dont really need to tow houses or ships.

ej1995

The only perk to the 3/4 ton with the diesel is the fact that it gets comparable fuel mileage to a gasoline half ton and you have the bigger brakes and larger towing capacity.

I think the LS based Chevy 1/2 tons had only about 2%(i'm thinking thats what I read somewhere) with a manual transmission. Really the only problem with the 4L60E automatics is the sun cage/sun shell issue. You all of a sudden lose 2nd, 4th, and Reverse.

If you go slightly older, back into the 90s, I occasionally see the C/K1500 WT (no frills) with a 5.7 and NV3500/NV4500 manual transmission reasonably priced.

-JB-

What are you using the truck for?

I've been looking at trucks for a few years now. Eventually will end up with one when I feel comfortable with another car payment and for my needs. But I still keep an eye out till I find something that hits my sweet spot.

Fabrik8

There's a strange sweet spot with the diesels for price and mileage for their age. The 1/4 tons in my price range don't seem to be worth the gamble. I don't really need a half ton, but they seem to be good value.

Fabrik8

At the moment, yard stuff (mulch, rock,etc) and home remodeling projects. In the future, building a garage and hauling cars and parts. And a boat and camper at some point too. I could get another truck later and go lighter duty now, which is the other option. Something like a V6 Silverado and then whatever later. Its just hard to argue with a $6-7k power stroke that just needs some cosmetic work and interior refreshing. And a limited slip..

-JB-

So I'll tell you were I'm at and then see what you think

I have an old 86 f150, straight 6, 2wd that was my great grandfathers that I never hope to get rid of. It hauls trash, mulch, rocks, my utility trailer, my material I needed for home renovations. I've had it loaded to almost the bump stops (short travel time) and it never once hated it as long as you are in no hurry.

Now I eventually want a truck that can haul a car hauler and my Jeep or a nice camper. My 86 may haul a light car and trailer. It's rated I think at 6k. I eventually will get a larger truck for my DD needs and to have something nice to haul the family and toys to where ever we go.

So if you need a utility only truck, find a older truck. Might even be able to find one with AC. The older fords run forever, easy to work on and are cheap. When you are able to land a larger truck then upgrade.

My next truck will be able to haul 10k or more. But I don't tow all the time so a diesel expense I may not go too. Depends on the deals I find.

ej1995

My dad has an 04 F150 Heritage 2wd, 4.2 V6, Manual, 3.55 gears, under 100k miles and he paid under 4k for it. I have towed small SUVs on a dolly with it very easily. Those are great for what you want, just stay above 2000 with the 4.2 engine. Honestly a 4.3 Silverado with a manual would be fine in 2wd as long as it has decent rear end gears. 3.73s would be ideal, 3.42s would be a little less friendly to haul/tow with, but not totally useless.

Fabrik8

The impractical money-spending side of me wants a Tundra. And a TRD supercharger.

ej1995

Have fun changing the rear wheel bearings...