Like I originally said, I need a truck for small tasks & chores. One of those will be hauling the 1500's engine to the machine shop for when I rebuild it. My schedule with work and school is so crammed that it's difficult to co-ordinate working around someone with a truck to assist me.

A friend of mine has a Dakota with the Magnum in it that he uses in his side business. He came to me inquiring about them and I told him it would be the best truck for his needs and he absolutely loves it--especially after he had t he intake issue resolved (truck had over 100K when he bought it).

Smaller trucks have their place, and like I said it will be a daily driver.

Take a close look at how incredibly small a 3rd gen regular cab/shortbed truck is. My wife, who is uncomfortable driving the 98 QC because she thinks it's too big, says it's like driving our previous 95 Ford Ranger. And you won't get much better than the 22 mpg we're getting from any of the newer small trucks. Good luck on the search.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...t&Number=38860

http://www.yotatech.com/f123/consume...-sludge-74828/

The issue was prevalent with the sedans.

Decided to modify the search to include F150 Pickups. I found this 2006 model. 5.4L engine should be hearty.

Comments?

Sweet looking truck! Buy it! Drive it long enough and you won't wanna go back to the Ram.

Edit: I think Hammer might warn against shooting spark plugs.

Okay, If you are including fullsizes now, why even keep the ram?

On the same note, why not look at Ram's, surely you could find a nice 3rd Gen for around that price. Unless you're looking to try something else...

That's a 4.6l according to the list of features on the bottom. It's a 5.4l according the the brief description at the top.
If you're looking at the newer fords then you should be aware of the spark plug issue http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/120

Nah, it's all good. Just make sure you buy this kit:

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...65600_alt.html



Which is necessary to remove the broken bottom half of the spark plug after the top half has blown through the hood. Oh and maybe pick up some bondo for the hole, LMAO...




On a serious note, I had a 5.4 in a new 1997 Furd that had a piston crack right in the cylinder with all of 14,000 miles on the truck. My last Furd and the reason I've owned Rams since...

They love to pop them spark plugs so be careful.. i know of 5 different trucks it happened more than once on.