I am planning on getting a tow rig in the next month. I have been looking for a long time at alot of different options.
Here is what I have:
I would like to spend anywhere from 12-15,000. This is so I can spend about 2-3 grand on a nice gooseneck. I want a diesel.
I want a 3/4 ton really dont need a dually.....
I have been leaning towards a 96-98 dodge TD. With a 5 speed manual. It seems that the people want alot more money for the fords.

I know that there are tons of different veiws and there may be a thread similar to this one if there is post it up...

I have never owned a diesel and would like some info. I have looked all the diesel sites but there is alot of tech and not to much purchasing info.

Awesome tow rig.
95 F250 4x4 Supercab 7.3L Powerstroke XLT Long Bed
Off-Road Package Dual Tanks
Tow-Package
Auto
Rhino lined Tub
74,000 babied miles never towing miles
EXTRAS:
Brand New 6 inch skyjacker class II lift kit w/ shocks Just installed
Brand New 37x12.5x16 Super Swamper SSR's On 16x8 Black rockcrawlers
Brand new Custom reaper Racing Pre-runner bumper with skidplate
4 Piaa 80 series Lights $800 bucks worth of killer lights
Brand New Can-Back fabric bed cap really nice Cap
Brand New Bed Rug Carpet kit in the rear bed
Billet Grill
Many other extra's Remote Start, CD, Power inverter in rear of truck etc etc

Perfect tow rig all setup you can sleep in the back hook up stuff to the inverter its great for camping etc.

This truck is mint all maintenance done on this truck reg. Oil changes every 3,000 and fuel filters every 12,000. New brakes ,ball joints New HD Batteries etc. Truck was carfaxed when I bought it .

Check here for pics

http://www.fordtruckworld.com/mygallery.asp?id=5274

Asking $16,000.00 OBO. Price is definetly Nego..

Both the Ford and the Dodge are a good choice. You seem to be on the right track as far as years to look into. Remember that with a diesel maintenance is more important than miles. I bought a well maintained 94 F250 PSD 4x4 XLT extended cab with 160k on the odometer and it has never failed me (I put 50K on it in the last year). I got all the service records on it and it only set me back $7k. If I were looking for a Dodge, I'd do my best to try to get a 98.5 and up if possible. It's gonna be really hard to do, but the 24v Cummins is noticeably better than the 12v. The nice thing about getting a Dodge is that you can get one with a short bed...you can't do that unless you buy a 97 up Ford. Also, you will want to get a 4x4 tow rig.