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Decisions decisions - Getting closer

Z71paramedic

Wait....What???
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Well guys, we'll be moving back to the states in July, and it's looking like Fort Rucker, Alabama (though this isn't 100% yet). I'm thinking I want a dual purpose tow-rig/daily driver, and I'm looking for input on what people think. Now a few of the unknown issues to nail down first include where we'll be living in relation to where I'll be working or going to school (that needs sorted out too...), how much I'm willing to spend based on what I'm looking at, etc.

I've been thinking lately that a square body crew cab with modern drive train and interior would be pretty sweet. A Cummins with a 6 speed manual behind it sounds nice.

On another note, a new truck isn't out of the question, but prices are pretty high for new stuff... Plus I'm not crazy about most of the new trucks... Sure, the quiet interiors, smooth ride and Bluetooth are nice, but those can be had (or close) aftermarket.

My biggest concern is that whatever I go with needs to be done and ready to work. I need it to be ready to pull the Blazer down there as soon as we get back (or relatively speaking). So a project truck is out of the question. I know this will cost me for an older rig, but I'm fine shelling out the cash if it's worth it. That means no body work needed, no half-missing interior, no incomplete drive train swaps, and no electrical gremlins. I can handle a missing stereo, etc, but no projects. I already have too many of those. I need a trailer too, but that's for later... :doh:

So, what would you guys go with? Old vs new, gas vs diesel, etc? I'm happy paying upwards of $20k for a nice (and I stress NICE) complete square body that's ready to roll, so that may help. Chime in with what you think. :ears:
 
Im no help, but make sure it can tow that big red turd up to Michigan to play in the sandbox :D
 
But of course! It needs a cage and some tweaking first though. The new motor has already twisted things. It's like a big horsepower hug.
 
I'm not much help on the daily driver deal except to say I sort of tried it. I bought a 91 crew and fixed it up cosmetically but never got in to a drivetrain swap. I never could get past the project mentality with it, I was always wanting to do something else (even if it was insignificant trim details). Ultimately it was a 2 project lifestyle and neither was making real headway. I ended up selling it for a new truck. I miss it but probably wouldn't change things.

That said, welcome to Alabama! I hope you like humidity, rain, Mosquitos and mud. :thumb:
 
Sean I would look for a low mileage 06/07 Duramax leave it stock and tow away all happy! :thumb:

Alabama! :popcorn:
 
The mud part sounds good, not sure I'm excited about the rest... :haha:

That's the biggest reason I'm willing to pay for a completed truck. I really don't want this to be a project. I have the Blazer to work on, plus I'd really like to get my wife a C3 vette here at some point.

I guess one of my biggest hangups is that a new truck is not only wicked expensive, but I'm not crazy about the looks of any of the new ones.
 
I love the CC with modern dizzle drivetrain idea.. there was one posted a week or 2 ago that was pretty nice, but still had some things it needed... $8600 iirc.... check the CC thread...

I can see spending 15 g's or something on a nice one of those... but I would also say, you need to be REAL careful of the work done to it... x-member, frame, hack work, mudded paint job, etc..
 
I guess one of my biggest hangups is that a new truck is not only wicked expensive, but I'm not crazy about the looks of any of the new ones.

I understand the overpriced part of that. As for the rest, I got a new Dodge CTD - great drivetrain but I'm not obsessed with the truck like I am my Blazer so I have zero interest in mod'ing it.
 
How new is too new for looks? Are you stuck on any one make? These guys are auto trader for diesels. Mostly newer stuff but they're not at sky high prices and every once in a while you find and old truck converted. They had a '79 F-350 with a cummins swap a while back.

http://dieselsellerz.com/diesel/trucks/search
 
In other news, you'll be in a good spot - about 1.5 hrs east of an ORV park and 3-4 hrs south of several ORV parks.
 
Idk if I could buy a heavily modded rig from anybody, unless it was someone I know that did the work etc.

Take like dave building his CC, and doing the cummins swap etc. I know the work he does...

If its some person that just built it, kinda a gamble.
 
Buy a duramax and be done with it! 06 and up I have never been more satisfied with a truck as I am with my Dmax.
 
My reservation with the 3-10 year old diesel route (and I realize this could be the case with anything) is that I don't want something that leaks from everywhere, has been beaten on, or needs a bunch of little stuff.

I'm very clearly over-thinking this, and also still a little ways out from being able to do anything anyways...

And Adam, I have the same reservation about a built truck...
 
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