Quote; I own a modified 1984 F-150 that is a well designed truck. It has lasted well past it's designed life span. True, I have modified the engine, transmission and rebuilt the 9 inch, but they are still solid Ford parts from the 70's and 80's. If push comes to shove, I trust my old Ford more than anything with a data bus, including my RAM. [/QUOTE]
WhiteSheep, I have to totally disagree with you on Ford's of the 70's and 80's. I ordered a 71, F250 Ferd with a 4 speed, 390 gasses. This turned out to the very worse vehicle I ever had. I took very good care of it and maintained it well. I hauled my 10 1/2 ft cab-over camper on it half the year. The engine lasted 104K miles. I had it rebuilt by the most reputable engine rebuilder in Albuquerque. That lasted 21K miles and I had to have a factory rebuilt engine installed. That lasted 30K miles and then I gave the truck away. In addition to the engine, everything else except the 4 speed transmission went out, sometime twice, sometimes three times. Oil consumption was always horrible and fuel economy was bad. The only good thing I can say about the old beast was that sheet metal was thick, but it rusted easy.