Best Small Pickup For Scrapping?

**Yunkman** · 07-23-2014, 08:30 PM

I was in love with my 2004 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 gasser and it would pull 3-4 ton loads before it perplexed all the mechanics who worked on it and still can't get the miss out of the engine. (It threw a valve and a pushrod at 220,000 miles). Now using a 2004 Dodge Hemi 3/4 ton 4x4. Had to re-learn how to pull a load but it is very reliable at 130,000 miles. My grandson gave me a 94 Chev 1/2 ton 6.5 diesel with 280,000 miles and it gets 14mpg loaded one way pulling a trailer with 2 1/2 ton. I've been using it daily as we're hauling two loads. Don't really want a longer trailer or a newer diesel as I might run out of farmsteads to clean up. I really like the crewcabs or quadcabs for the tools I carry and always pull a bumper hitch trailer to save room in the box. The GMC and Dodge get around 9.5 mpg loaded one way.

**Sidewinder** · 07-23-2014, 09:11 PM

I'm new here, but I highly suggest a 1987-1996 F-150/F-250/F-350.

Standard cab, long bed (Or flat bed, your choice) and the lowly 4.9l I6. They don't rev as high as a 302/351 v8; But that's the beauty in them. Paired with 4.10 gears and the old 4 speed (Or if it's F250+, the ZF 5 speed) it'll pull Hell off its' hinges; And not break a sweat.

MANY MANY MANY I6's reach 200,000+ miles before needing anything more than a Waterpump, or a good tuneup.

The 8th/9th gen F-Series trucks are extremely cheap...$500-2,500 for a running truck that is extremely reliable.

My 1992 F-150 (Standard cab/ longbed) with the 4.9l/ 5 speed averages 17mpg mixed, and is PAID OFF.

**miked** · 07-24-2014, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by Sidewinder

I'm new here, but I highly suggest a 1987-1996 F-150/F-250/F-350.

Standard cab, long bed (Or flat bed, your choice) and the lowly 4.9l I6. They don't rev as high as a 302/351 v8; But that's the beauty in them. Paired with 4.10 gears and the old 4 speed (Or if it's F250+, the ZF 5 speed) it'll pull Hell off its' hinges; And not break a sweat.

MANY MANY MANY I6's reach 200,000+ miles before needing anything more than a Waterpump, or a good tuneup.

The 8th/9th gen F-Series trucks are extremely cheap...$500-2,500 for a running truck that is extremely reliable.

My 1992 F-150 (Standard cab/ longbed) with the 4.9l/ 5 speed averages 17mpg mixed, and is PAID OFF.

Being who I am and my age I have never transitioned to using the liters vs cubic inches (c.i.) having said that I agree with your opinion on the 4.9L. I have owned two vehicles with the 4.9L or 300 c.i. as I refer to it. I have found them to be extremely reliable and its the engine in my 2001 E250 Ford Van with 200K+ miles on it. This van is my work horse for my business. Mike

**ryanw** · 07-24-2014, 07:59 AM

It's not a 4x4 model, but I've been using a 2004 Tacoma Ext cab for a few years with a 4x8 trailer. 4-cyl 2.4L. The small size comes in handy a lot maneuvering into spaces to load and unload, and I've been able to haul anything that I've needed to. Never went really far hauling a car with it - pulled a volvo for 15 miles through the city once and it did fine. Gets about 23mpg so I use it for my commuter and work truck. One of the best parts is that the only thing that I've done to it besides regular maintenance is replace the brake pads and rotors -- 190k miles.