Not exactly a Slick ??, but need 4x4 year advice....

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » March 28, 2010, 5:02 pm

I need a 4x4 truck. Daughter wants a horse, pull trailer, occ snow and ice use, horse barn is a real quagmire at times etc..... 1/2 ton should suffice though, as we talking no more than 2 horses (good to set limits early)

Anyhow. What better group of folks to ask for advice that you all, right...

My priorities:
-- must be low maintainance. I have enough challenges these days.
-- must be reliable (will sit for weeks and then be expected to run and drive)
-- DOES NOT need to be great performance (hey, my 65 has a 240. I am a man of modest needs)
-- Fuel economy would be nice, but since it will see low miles each year, its not a priority.
-- Extended cabs would be OK
-- Automatic trannies are perferred (better for backing up trailers)
-- Needs to be modern enough for a 16 y/o to drive (sorry, 60's are out)

Now, I had been looking for a 95 or 96 with a 4.9 and an E4OD. Thoses were later, pretty decent trannies and those years have CFC free AC, so you can recharge them if need be. Plus the old body style trucks go for less $$$ (2-4k range)

The 97's were first year, which I always mistrust (my brother bent a rod in a 4.6l V6 with the leaky headgaskets in that year).

But maybe I should fork over the extra $3-4k for a 98 or 99??? (5-6K range)

Any advice? I know its sacriligious, but are there bowtie suggestions that I should consider?

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » March 28, 2010, 6:11 pm

i think you are right in line with that 95 4.9 auto. nice examples can be had very reasonably.

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » March 28, 2010, 6:36 pm

My only comment would be to recommend/suggest stepping up to the F250 over the F150 for a little more towing capacity. "Just in case".

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » March 28, 2010, 6:44 pm

Gritsngumbo wrote:My only comment would be to recommend/suggest stepping up to the F250 over the F150 for a little more towing capacity. "Just in case".

True, but then I'd have a 5.8 in the 96 at least, which I am less aquainted with, and is not as long lived an engine as the I6.

Anyone know how the 5.4 V8 engines are doing, in terms of longevity? I see some 2001-2 trucks with 200k plus miles that look nice still. But I wonder how many more miles till those trucks go poof?

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » March 28, 2010, 7:09 pm

Dave, if I were you, I would be looking for a light duty 97 F250 or a 2000-2003 7700 GVW F150. IMHO, these trucks are bulletproof and in abundance in good shape. Get a supercab, you will not regret it. The 5.4 is a reliable engine and have seen plenty with 200k and little issues. From experience, I have had 5 of these engines and they have all been excellent for me. 15-18 mpg is not unreasonable to achieve. Nothing against the 95-96 models. These are great trucks too but your daughter will have an easier time with the 10th gen body and they handle very well. The late 98's are available with 3rd and 4th door which makes for a better selling feature. 5-6k price range should about right for an earlier one, at least up here anyway.

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » March 28, 2010, 10:30 pm

Excellent advice. I have broadened my search to include trucks with the 5.4 V8, in the 97-2003 range as well.

I am getting a lot of hits (craigslist) for Big Ole' Expeditions as well.

These things seem pretty affordable and some are low mileage.

We all know that most those SUVs are never really "driven". Maybe I should be looking for one of those. I mean, an Expedition ought to pull 5-6k of trailer, right?

There is little that I do with the bed in a truck that I cannot do with my trailer or my minivan with the seats out.

Anyone know whether an Expedition with a 5.4 can tow decent?

Swore I'd never own an SUV, but hummm......

Edit -- tells you how much I ever look at SUVs -- its the Expedition that has the 5.4 not the Explorer. Whatever......

1961 slickwilly · Post by **1961 slickwilly** » March 28, 2010, 10:42 pm

the expoler never had a 5.4 but the expidetions do they will handle your trailer and2 horse and have the room you need. if you want to look in some forieng jobs check out a toyota sequia we had two of them an 01 and 03 the 01 was 4wd had a 4.6 v8 and got pretty good milage they go pretty reasonable now as long as you dnt get the limited edition just the sr5

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » March 29, 2010, 7:30 pm

Dave, I have 2003 Expedition and love it for a family vehicle. However, I would not recommend a bunch of heavy pulling with it. People that I know have had some tranny issues pulling with them as well as the fact that they have independent rear suspension. The 97-02 Expeditions have a solid axle and may be a better choice.

jecsd1 · Post by **jecsd1** » March 29, 2010, 7:46 pm

can't beat the 1980-1996 ford f250 4.9l or a 12V cummins dodge.

Post by **Greg D** » March 29, 2010, 8:03 pm

Dave,
You should be able to (with a little looking) find a 94-97 250 with a 4.9. The 92-96 body style carried through 97 in the Super Duty trucks. The fuel mileage won't be much different and the heavier suspension will make it a little more stable pulling a trailer plus it will last longer doing it. The suspension in them is similar to your 65 just has leafs on the traction beams instead of coils - very durable and cheaper to repair than a 97 up 150.
The next generation of SD trucks has a live axle but will cost a little bit more to repair engine wise too. I don't think you'll find one of those with a 6 in it though. 98 - 2000 250 SD 4x4 Supercab with a 5.4 Darrell has one and is pretty happy with it.

Post by **Greg D** » March 29, 2010, 8:10 pm

This is a tad more than you gas truck but a decent looking diesel in your area.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/1660017185.html