I drive a '97 Ford F-150 4x4 (Supercab, 4.6L V8, 5spd MT with 3.53 rear end) and use it to haul wood and anything else that I think it can safely haul. The manual states that this configuration is only good for 3000 lbs above the base weight of the truck (around 8000 lbs total weight) That's pretty much the range I've stayed in. Monday, I had 1.2 tons of crusher run gravel. Today probably just shy of a ton of mulch. Definitely loaded it up with at least a ton of firewood plenty of times. Towed a small 5x8 utility trailer loaded with all kinds of things inside.
The 4.6 is kind of a dog for a V8 (I live in the mountains and drive up and down them daily) where I live and definitely drinks gas like beer (10-12 mpg when hauling stuff) but all in all it's a decent truck for what it can do. I really love a manual transmission even though apparently the one in my F150 can't handle anywhere near as much weight/towing as the auto...
If you are on flat ground, this configuration could work really well for a good all around truck...gas mileage would be the killer. Good luck finding a Tacoma at a reasonable price...
I kind of want a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck that will get around the same mileage and be able to handle a whole lot more weight/towing, but that's not quite in the cards right now for our family.
Oh yeah, my F150 just rolled over 303k miles a couple weeks ago and everything on the engine/drivetrain is original. I wouldn't let "the backside of 100k miles" be any deterrent on its own...it's more important how it's been taken care of it's whole life, not just the miles.
Philbo,
Thanks for sharing that info. just got contacted by a guy who has a 97 Ford Lariat 3 Dr, auto, 2wd 4.6V8 with 128K...books & records...and pretty dang clean...says the only thing is he can't get the "check engine light" to go says the code reads something about a vapor sensor leak or something...
He wants about $3800 for it...says he inherited it from his Mother.
Hmm...Yet there's a 97 Chevy Silverado loaded with tonneau cover, leather,aut,o 2wd 3 dr 350.5.7 V8...with 144K. This fairy wants $3,800 wants fer it!!!....decisions, decisions!
Thanks for the feedback...btw...which would you go for? The Chevy I would eventually have to remove the pretty ground effects for the real "Man-Beast" task!!:msp_unsure:
Last, but not least is the wildcard of the bunch: 1999 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6 2WD Automatic. EXT cabm auto, Appx 95,000 on a rebuilt motor. 222K on whole truck, AC/ Heat works great. Has appx 2000 miles on tires and are in great shape. Sunroof. Has new water pump, radiator, timing belt and front left inner tie rod end. Transmission fluid changed, tune up and fresh oil change. Paint is fading on the hood and roof , has a few dents and driver seat is torn...$4000.00!!!!:dunno:
Tired as $#@$^^**(^
I'm...out
REG