Here's the deal...........

I have about $5000 to work with, and everybody is telling me that a Ford F250 would make an excellent tow rig to pull a 16' trailer with my 3,500# Jungle gym on it.

Here are some links to what I am considering. I need to call the ones without milage listed. For the diesels, are these good deals based on what you see??

For the gassers, what is the "Worn out, walk away" milage? And what gas engine will suit me? I've researched the snot out of posts here, and big blocks seem to rule.

This will only be used for towing.

truck one (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=140738890&dealer_id=3771872&car_year=1995&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F250&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=15)

Truck 2 (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=138926297&dealer_id=5371827&car_year=1992&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F250&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=117)

Truck 3 (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=139764429&dealer_id=5371827&car_year=1994&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F250&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=117)

Truck 4 (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=135651473&dealer_id=5371827&car_year=1995&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F250&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=117)

Truck 5 (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=140703914&dealer_id=3387480&car_year=1993&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F250&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=21)

Truck 6 (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=140738344&dealer_id=1369426&car_year=1993&make=FORD&distance=200&max_price=6000&model=F350&end_year=2004&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=98682&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1992&color=&cardist=20)

I'm pre-approved for more, but don't want to spend much more that 5K.

Anything to stay away from besides an auto behind a diesel? and stuff like that?

Do small V8's suck that bad towing?

Thanks for your help. I'm ready to buy something.

M.

My experience says to stay away from a non-turbo Diesel. Ford started the turbo-IDI sometime in 94 and the Powerstroke started in 95. Truck 5 in your list is probably a NA 7.3. It's probably adequate for towing, but the turbo makes a huge difference.

I found out that Truck 1 has 118K miles. He said it's missing a hub cap, and that is all that's wrong with it.

So the 95 IS a power stroke?? With a Banks kit, I would assume it is turbo. It's wired for braking, has a 5th wheel/ gooseneck.

I think this is the ticket. Any warnings on this model? I'm going to drive it tomorrow, and if it seems solid, I'll buy on Tuesday.

M.

Well isn't truck one an (AT) auto tranny? I like the autos my self and I am going to look at a 97 F250 Power Stroke crew cab 4x4 short bed for 16K Saturday night. I would get an extended cag long bed or crew cab short bed atleast for towing. I know a 16' trailer is fine for a standard cab short bed but the longer the better ffor tow/handling. Also it is cheaper to get a longer trailer if you need than a longer trailer and truck! #1 sounds good just look it over real well and talk them down as much as you can. Good luck.

Truck 1 turned out to be an oozing sore. Steering pump leaking, tranny, engine, bondo, rusted exhaust. advertised as a '95 and it's really a '94. "There's absolutley nothing wrong wit it" He said.

Banks kit in front of the automatic, 5th wheel, bad mojo.

Dill hole!!

My quest continues..................

get a chevy 3/4 ton, they go forever.