deciding on a truck

So with me trying to expand a little and since I like pick ups I am looking for a truck that will haul what I need it to and get at least ok mileage. I know I have hundreds of options so I wanted to see what you guys are using and maybe get some tips on what to look for. First and most important I want something that will last a while and won't need a ton of work as in stuff going bad. I also want a 4x4 because of where I live and what i would be doing with it but here comes my indecision, should I get a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? I don't think I would need a 1 ton but what do you guys think? will 1/2 get the job done? I plan on an 8ft bed so I can get bigger loads and I want something that will pull good which is why I'm leaning toward a 3/4, I just use my brother 1/2 to haul about 1200lbs and it was sagging more then I would have liked it too.

I did look through that and it didn't really help, I guess I should say what is a good truck to start with that I will be able to throw anything at

Also I didn't mention,I have an 84 bronco. Has anyone used one of these? If so how well did it do, I'm still fixing mined up right now

BigDog, what kind of scrapping will you be focusing on at first?

When you get to bigger trucks that can haul more, you get into bigger engines and bad gas mileage. I don't know how you are going to get around that. It just takes more power to move a heavier truck.

I also think most of the newer trucks are being built better and better. If you do some basic maintenance I would expect any truck to last 200k. Change the oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, like you are suppose to and you would be surprised how long vehicles last.

russell, I am just getting into the driving around looking for stuff and putting my name out phase, my hopes are to get some regulars and maybe start picking up cars and bigger items like that

Phantoms001: right now I am looking at trucks around 1997 and up the trouble is finding one I can afford that I dont have to dump money into, I am handy around cars as that is the career I would like to go into my main problem is funds

If you're just curb shopping, Id recommend a 4 cylinder pick up. I cant see making money with worse gas mileage while curb siding. Id parlay whatever you can make through your trash finds into a small cheap trailer something small and light that a small truck can pull, when you have dedicated stops/ regular customers. maybe a 4x8-5x10 flatbed with a 2k gvwr.

Originally Posted by bigdog72

russell, I am just getting into the driving around looking for stuff and putting my name out phase, my hopes are to get some regulars and maybe start picking up cars and bigger items like that

Phantoms001: right now I am looking at trucks around 1997 and up the trouble is finding one I can afford that I dont have to dump money into, I am handy around cars as that is the career I would like to go into my main problem is funds

GovDeals.. always an option. If you know your way around a truck you can do okay on CL if you are patient. Trucks do hold their value. I totally understand about the money thing. I am driving a 1995 dakota I picked up for 500.00 off of CL and it has been running for over a year. The only problem I've had was it needed a new starter this winter, 220k.

I've been on CL for quite some time haha, I am kind of partial to like a ranger or dakota or something like that and I have my bronco for the heavier stuff but idk I dont think something that small would suit me well. I'm driving my brothers ram 1500 now and really like it I get about 11 mpg, not too crazy about that but it could be worse

Originally Posted by bigdog72

I've been on CL for quite some time haha, I am kind of partial to like a ranger or dakota or something like that and I have my bronco for the heavier stuff but idk I dont think something that small would suit me well. I'm driving my brothers ram 1500 now and really like it I get about 11 mpg, not too crazy about that but it could be worse

That must have a 5.9 in it to get 11mpg, what a gas hog. At 3.50 a gallon that is a big expense. I think they may have put a 3.6 in some full size Dodges. I personally wouldn't want a truck with an engine larger than 5.0 unless it's a diesel because of the gas costs.

It is a 5.9 but I like the power it has.

taterjuice: I was just doing some research and thinking the same thing, I guess my next question is, is there a big difference in mileage between 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons?

I don't want to hijack this thread, but this is related to the topic very closely. What is the deal with payload ratings, or more specifically the naming of 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton trucks? I have a relatively small pickup - 2004 tacoma. It's rated for a 1500lb payload. Does that make it a 3/4 ton truck? Very confusing.

Thanks everyone this has helped a lot, now I get to search more on CL till I find something decent I can afford haha

Bigdog for what its worth. I used an s10 for mainly curb shopping, it gets around 18 mpg. Most times I can make money with that kind of mileage. I also have a 250 to tow a 16 ft trailer for larger loads. I loose my butt if I try to curbshop with the 250. Its only getting around 10 mpg. Use the right tool for the right job. whatever direction you choose to go.