My brother needs a truck, can I get some advice?

"Maxima Speed" (maximaspeed) 01/05/2018 at 12:07 • Filed to: None

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Hey Oppo, I would like to get some collective wisdom from you all. My brother is self employed (owns a small internet business selling wooden toys), he is in the market for a vehicle to replace his aging, problematic 2003 S-10. There are a few requirements; The bed must be wide enough to lay a 4 x 8 plywood sheet flat (can be a short bed, just not Chevy Avalanche short), must be 4x4, he would prefer a diesel, and a manual transmission. Basically it will serve a shop vehicle; running packages to the post office, driving to town 35 miles away, occasionally, for supplies; and picking up lumber from his supplier. Towing is not a necessity, instead better fuel economy would be nice.

My question is this, do any of you have experience with vehicles matching the above requirements which were exceptionally reliable, and low maintenace. We like the pre 1994 Dodges (my dad has one), we are also looking at the Chevy Colorado. Not sure about Tacomas but I know that the ones which have had the frame recall completed command a premium.

Also no Dodges post-1993, too many horror stories from everyone ive ever known who has had one.

Some Power Wagons for your time :)

19JRC99 > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 12:38

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Well, it breaks the diesel rule, but the first gen Dakotas sound like what he needs. Also, with the 3.9 and 5 speed, they’re bulletproof. My ‘96 has 268,000 on it and runs like a top. You can find regular cabs with the 8 foot bed all day long. Some, if you’re lucky, even have the 5.2 with the 5 speed.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 12:40

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I didn’t read your requirements but this is what he needs

NO REALLY IT IS SHUT UP

Nibbles > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 12:52

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Well to meet the diesel manual requirement his best bet is Dodge. The Cummins can’t be beat. That said it’s really hard to find a pre-94. 94-02 are good trucks; the big failure point is the auto trans

Other than that I’d recommend scouring for a 7.3 Ford. They still carry a premium (7.3 tax) but are your next bet. Manual diesel Duramaxes are rare as fuck and do not - DO NOT get a Detroit equipped Chevy

Those are really the only choices that fit his criteria.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 01/05/2018 at 12:59

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Future next gen S2000 owner > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 13:00

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Budget?

Pickup_man > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 13:00

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I’d find an OBS Ford ( or basically anything pre ‘97), a GMT 400 truck, or a Squarebody. All can be found with manuals fairly easily, and will be plenty reliable. Manual diesels can be found, but for what it will be used for the slightly worse mileage of a gasser far outweighs the cost premium for a diesel.

Other suggestions: 10th gen F-150. Easy to find, cheap, manual only came with the V6 or the 4.6 though. The autos are fine though if he’s not a die hard manual guy. Some people are afraid of the apparent which craft that is overhead cams for some reason, but I’ve had zero issues with mine.

I haven’t heard that many horror stories of post ‘93 Dodges beyond the automatic transmissions, and with a manual you wont have those problems anyway. Sure the interiors are a little cheap, and electrics can be a little wonky but I still see a ton of these trucks on the road. Plus they look awesome.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2018 at 13:01

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Well you’re just wrong.

HOW CAN YOU STAND BEING SO WRONG

My bird IS the word > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 13:01

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This meets.... most of those requirements.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 01/05/2018 at 13:03

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Being this awesome allows me to never be wrong.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2018 at 13:04

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That statement is just the wronger-est

Future next gen S2000 owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 01/05/2018 at 13:07

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415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 13:17

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The answer is Power Wagon

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 13:30

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Powerstroke. Next question

Maxima Speed > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/05/2018 at 13:41

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Sorry, no Bro-Dozers.

PartyPooper2012 > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 14:05

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I have one word for your brother - trailer.

You can attach trailer to any vehicle that can tow. You can get rid of a vehicle and get a different vehicle while still maintaining trailer hauling capacities.

5x8 trailer can haul all that plywood and some

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2018 at 14:26

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Wrongers gonna wrong

Shift24 > Maxima Speed 01/05/2018 at 14:48

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But 4x4, manual, and Diesel. Thats bro-dozer material. That basically leaves Cummins 2nd gen on, rare ZF Power-stroke 6 speed, and equally rare 01-06 Duramax. Unless he wants a box truck. All of those are almost bullet proof. Injectors are the only issues for any of those.

Colorados are ok but fuck that captive rotor brake system. “Slap” or Captive rotors are a pain and expensive when they go bad or warp. Avalanche’s aren’t that bad with the midgate system and along with the Ridgelines both have wide enough beds for a sheet. But all of those mid size trucks wont have a wide enough bed.

If you want bullet proof just pay for a Tacoma. Though for that price just get a basic 4x4 LS v8 Silverado or Sierra. Just as bullet proof but easy to fix or replace when bad.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Maxima Speed 01/06/2018 at 03:37

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i fail to see how that is a bro dozer...

All terrain tires with plenty of sidewall on stock wheels. What looks like a leveling kit. No underwheel LED lights or tacky aftermarket grille and dress up stuff