used tow rig

looking for suggestions on a older rig. only have about 5,000 to 7,000 to spend. will only be used about twice a month to pull full size truck and trailer weighting about 10,000 for both. all brands considered.also what to stay away from.i live in southern ohio so i will have to deal with hills.

thanks brian

 

With an older rig I would pretty much rule out an auto transmission, especially since you plan to only tow with it. I would look at the first gen Dodge Cummins pickups or the Ford 6.9 N/A pickups. Good running trucks. THe GM 6.2 is not a bad option too but is underpowered for heavy loads, and was out powered by the early cummins and 6.9.

 

You could probably find an early 90's Ford with the 7.3 N/A for that price. I'd say that's your best bang for the buck with what you want to spend.

 

A ford with the 7.3 IDI with factory turbo would suit you very well, just a hair less power than the first gen powerstroke and they were de-tuned a huge ammount so they wouldnt out do the powerstroke. They fall right into that 5-7K dollar range as well.

 

What does N/A stand for??

 

Naturally Aspirated. In other words, no forced induction, engine just breathes on its own.

 

I think the GM 6.5's were better than the 6.2's, and you can pick one up for CHEAP since the motors were inferior to the Cummins and perhaps Powerstrokes at the time. You may be able to pick one up for cheap enough that you could then mod it a bit for a fair amount more power.

The better route may be to go for an older big block, even maybe something from the 70's, and put a new crate engine in it.

 

thanks guys.any info helpe..i found a 1989 f350 drw 2 wheel drive with a 7.3 n/a,manual tranny not sure on the miles odmeter shows 50,000.body has some bumps and bruses and decent tires.engine seem a bit oily around valve covers and front of engine.is this just the nature of the beast?keep oil in it and go on or should i be worred.


thanks again brian

 

That sounds like really good truck! That sounds perfect, a dually, manual transmission, and 7.3 engine. Depending on the mileage, shape, and what the owner wants for it, I would jump all over it. That truck sounds like an idea cheap towrig that will deliver decent mileage, decent power for what it is, good reliability with no 4wd system and a good 'ol manual, and dual wheels for great stability while in tow.waytogo