Ford Diesel Truck Questions

[Diabolic]

Thinking about adding a diesel truck to the stable. I don't want to spend more than $10,000 so I'm thinking 97 or older. I'm going to shop and hold out for a Super or crew cab with a long bed in white only. Would I be better served by going with the Auto or manual? Is the 7.3 turbo a very reliable engine in the 93-97 years? Should I avoid those years for any reason? How was the 4x4 system in terms or serviceability and durability? Any years to avoid? What kind of HWY and in town gas mileage should I expect? Is a Ford the best option here or should I look at the Dodge trucks too? This will be a daily driver for the most part and haul a 22'-25' travel trailer several weekends throughout the year.

Found this one today and thought it looked pretty good, but my diesel knowledge is limited.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/cto/2416010682.html

[Cooter]

I've got an 03 Dodge 4dr with a fully built transmission that's in your budget range.

Then you won't have to pull a big trailer with a gutless turd

[Baron Von Crowder]

They aren't bad trucks at all. I've got nearly the same truck in a 2wd, good solid truck.

4x4ks are leaf spring solid axle fronts, so they don't ride that great. Mine has a 4.11 rear, and gets about 16 hwy if I keep it under 75 or so.

[Mysticcobrakilla]

I've got an 03 Dodge 4dr with a fully built transmission that's in your budget range.

Then you won't have to pull a big trailer with a gutless turd

Pm me a price and a list of all the goodies.....and pics if you will.

[greenbullitt]

may have some new ones coming in next week...

just sold an 07 in your price range last week, wish I woulda known

[Jimbo]

I have a white '95 F350 crew 4x4, stone stock. It rides rough and doesn't pull like the newer trucks but I love the thing. There are a ton of options to improve the ride quality, like rsk for the front leaves, and up the power on the psd, I just haven't felt the need do any yet. I'm almost to 250k on the psd and it still pulls well. The drivetrain is stout, 4x4 works well, mine came with 4.11 limited slip. Fuel mileage only gets up in the upper teens on hwy trips. The 5spd is great on the hwy and with a load, but not so much if you do a lot of stop and go.
While I have no issues pulling trailers, cars, tractors, cattle, I bought the truck because I love the body style and options. If you are more interested in a having serious pulling diesel I would go with the cummins.

[8mpg]

may have some new ones coming in next week...

just sold an 07 in your price range last week, wish I woulda known

07 for $10k range?

[BigBlue]

I have a 93 f350 2wd 7.3 non power stroke its the international diesel non turbo. It does pretty good very easy to work on. Can get to the glow plugs injector by just taking the air cleaner off. Gets about 17mpg. Parts are very cheap 100 bucks for new injectors 30 bucks for glow plugs. Its probably the last diesel ford made that the average joe can service.