Best Tow Vehicle Under $10k

[splitz]

I have realized I need a pickup for around the houses duty. So I figured, if I need to get a pickup, why not get something that can tow the XJ and NSX around to the trail and track.

I don't really want to spend more than $10k, and would love to get by with something less. Any suggestions?

[ZacSquatch]

Good used late 90's Ford f-2/350... turbo deisel of course

[w_howey]

Good used late 90's Ford f-2/350... turbo deisel of course

x2

When you REALLY need to haul something, Ford is the where its at....

[splitz]

yeah, that's kinda what I've started to look at. Are there any perticular years that stand out as good or bad?

[ZacSquatch]

I personaly liked the 90's boxxy style better but the newer roundy ones are growin on me.. I'd stick with something 95-96+ and less that 200 on the clock..

[splitz]

I'm not too worried about how it looks, after all its going to either have a kick ass XJ or NSX behind it!

I'll have to do some more investigation on Ford diesels, don't really know much about em.

[BlueCuda]

Early Dodge Diesel 92-93 are intercooled and have a bigger frame.

I picked up this ugly beast a year and a half ago for $900, $75 later I had a bed that was in good shape(not in picture lol). Its got 310K on the clock and I would drive it anywhere and not worry about it.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n30/Blue340Cuda/BigMRun003.jpg

[Starboard M]

If you get a Ferd, at least get the 7.3.

[rag]

Im basing my response off my daily work experience

mid94-97s Ford pickup 7.3L. less than 200,000 miles would be nice.

the engine bay is a million times more repair friendly than the 6.0L and 6.4L

major engine failure is nowhere near as common as a 6.0L

it's a peppy truck for their size.

parts are also not an arm and a leg unlike a 6.4L

[Del00XJ]

I had a 97' F350 with the 7.3. Motor ran great. Tranny was on it's way out though. I tell you what, it's a pretty penny finding a decent used/ rebuilt for under a grand. Otherwise truck ran great for 160k

[splitz]

Thanks for the info. Is there a particular trans in the Fords to watch out for, or is yours just failing because of normal wear?

[Del00XJ]

Whatever the automatic is. Not sure of the "name". It was just normal wear.

[splitz]

I would think a manual would be a better choice for a tow rig...right?

[rag]

I would think a manual would be a better choice for a tow rig...right?

driving the manual haul truck at work is not fun while in traffic and fully loaded, i find myself always jumping for the automative F650 flatbed, or maybe i just absolutely suck :dunce:

[1985xjlaredo]

I would think a manual would be a better choice for a tow rig...right?
Yea its much cheaper and easier to replace the clutch than the auto tranny. If you go with the older box style ford look for one with the 7.4 Power stroke.

[rag]

Also, the C6 and the E4OD auto trans were offered with the 7.3L

both of which are a tough units in my experience. overdrive with the E4OD is nice, just make sure you DO NOT tow in 4th gear.

i do have a soft spot for the C6

[Stumpalump]

Get a 97 or newer 6.5 tubo diesel GM. By 97 all the bugs were worked out but the reputation of them sucking remained. Dealers can't give them away so they are dirt cheap. They need a $300 Warpspeed exhaust and a free flowing air filter. You can get a Heath wastegate controller for a hundred bucks if you have no imissions inspection and these things run good. It's got to be 97 or newer and you can find clean trades on the wholesale back lot of new car dealers for a few thousand. I got a 1 ton crew cab 98 and it's been great. You also need to learn about the Injector pump driver moduel that goes bad so you don't get soaked for an injector pump. This and overheating with the pre 97 models make the reputation horrible but don't be fooled they are a great cheap truck if you know what to look out for. The other thing that sucks with all GM trucks is poor grounds so you need to add them to any older GM truck to stop electrical gremlins. This is the site you will need:http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21

[Darky]

For style point, can't beat an old early 60's Chevy...I don't know much about their reliability, but parts should be abundant. My brother in law has a 63 and if it weren't in bad shape it'd be a great looking truck. Thing's pretty heavy duty. It doesn't have the original engine, it's been swapped many times for use as a "sleeper" beat up truck big engine...

Or you could do a J-Series full size Jeep truck. Or an M-715, a deuce and a half, or even better an old 5 ton...in case you can't tell, I'm into the old military iron...:D

[JohnX]

I vote for the dodge. 95-98 12 valves are nearly unbreakable. They are extremely easy and cheap to upgrade. You don't need to worry much about mileage (anything under 250k should be fine). The only downfall is the auto trans sucks...but the sticks are okay. Hard to find a clean one for under 10k, but workhorses are a dime a dozen.

[splitz]

Hmm. Ok, it looks I need to start some research on:

Late 90's Ford with 7.3 engines & manuals (by far the most popular from the 2 posts I have up)
Dodge 95-98
97 or newer 6.5 tubo diesel GM
Early Dodge Diesel 92-93

One thing I am really glad about is that I haven't got a lot of responses like "Get a Ford Chevy's SUCK" or vise a versa. Thanks for the input, and if anyone has anything to add, please let me know.

[splitz]

Or you could do a J-Series full size Jeep truck. Or an M-715, a deuce and a half, or even better an old 5 ton...in case you can't tell, I'm into the old military iron...:D

Now that would be cool, but I don't think I want to put that much effort into the tow rig.