Can anyone suggest what motor I should be looking for in this year. It's going to be a daily driver/haul stuff to the dump once/twice a year. My old man has a 96 with a 460 and that thing is a gas guzzler. I was thinking about trying to find one with a 5.0 motor, but didn't know if they have any inherit problems I should be looking out for.

Basically looking for a reliable pickup so I can go hunting/fishing and not have to worry about a head gasket or something major happening. I am a fairly decent mechanic.. I have built a few motors/tranny's in some past track cars. Just looking for a good motor in this year. Not worried about power as it wont be used to haul.

I had the 6.8 Diesel IDI and sold that truck last year.... That was a huge mistake. Great engine!

 

Here is the truck I am going to look at...

http://anchorage.en.craigslist.org/cto/4590565192.html

 

The 5.0 is a solid motor. Can't really go wrong. If you don't care about power, the 4.9 I-6 is bulletproof.

 

I'm another fan of the 4.9 I6 and its reputation for reliability. Plenty of low end torque. Does not like to rev. MPG should be comparable to the 5.0, but mileage is pretty variable on old trucks depending on gears, cab, tires, etc...

Not sure about price, but my guess is a 4.9 would be cheaper than a similarly equipped 5.0 in most cases. Both are fine choices, though.

That's a very low price on the one you are looking at, IMO. If it runs at all, it would go for much more than that down here.

 

Here is another one I am interested in looking at...

It's an F350, but has a plow and he is willing to take $1000 and trade on guns... I am trading about $1000 on guns and $1000 cash...

What ya guys think?

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/4571898559.html

This one has a 351. Plow is always nice for the Alaskan winters.

 

A F350 with a 351 is going to be a gas hog - 10 mpg at best.

 

Thanks. So I am gonna pass on the F350. The smog pump was completely frozen. The belt would turn and the vehicle would run but the belt was cracked all the way down the middle and the accessory belt when running was flapping around... Meaning the belts had not been changed in a long while and the truck was more than likely parked for a long while.

The plow worked fine, but without being able to test drive the truck I think I am gonna pass. Going to look at the F150 tomorrow.