Screw it,... Just buy a KW or an old Screamin' Jimmy day cab and call it good! LMAO. Seriously man auto or stick you'll be fine either way. 1/2 ton past about '03, or whatever .75-1ton you prefer,... There are some gas engines I'd stay away from due to main't concerns, but you can beat Toyota and Nissan, beyond that, if I was looking for a used decent condition hauler, I'd look for a Chebby 454 (or if newer than either 6.0l/ or 8.1l engines), FORD - 460, Dodge - Old 318 or 360, or V-10,... Hemi will work, but not as well IMO. Otherwise get a diesel and laugh (or cry if you get a 6.0 Powerstroke like me and have to do everything right off the bat,...) all the way to the bank. Good Luck!