I want to be honest here with you and share what I have witnessed with the 3126 Cat Powered trucks that you are looking at.
As mentioned above, the Cat 3126 is a good little engine but when they have issues with the HUEI system it can be a nightmare. When ours got up into the 200,000 mile + category it began.
The issue with all three, one in particular was a random skip that no one could pin down. It was the worst after a 2 or 3 hour drive at speed, when you stopped for a light it would almost stall, then skip. We fooled and fooled with it, threw a pile of various parts at it, my top Cat Tech threw up his hands.
Sent to the local Cat distributor where they fooled with it for a week and then they gave up.
We left it alone and put up with it until we pulled it out of service when the new trucks arrived. It still ran great at speed but the skip at idle would drive you nuts.
Also didn't look to good delivering parts in a skipping Freightliner if you know what I mean..... :-laf
The other 2 were doing it but not as bad.
We even did the lower end on the worst one thinking that the slight reduction in oil pressure due to wear of the bearings and other components affected the HUEI system in a hot idle, low load condition. It helped a little but did not cure it.
I would seek out a 5. 9L or as Bill suggests a DT466 in a Navistar. Much tougher and reliable engines for poor folks such as you and I.
Just remember with a 5. 9 the same rules apply to the fuel system, if it has a VP-44 you gotta' keep the transfer pump working. There is a software update and kit that will turn the Check Engine light on in the event of a transfer pump failure, that would be tops on my list of stuff to have done first.
The FL series cab is great, very tough. They have a few small issues but nothing to worry about.
Good visibility, easy entry and exit, heat and A/C system is a tad small.
Where you are looking at a Non-CDL truck with Hydraulic Brakes give the rotors and calipers a good look.
I personally would find one with air brakes, much cheaper to maintain and better brakes to boot if you have the air brake endorsement on your license.
Plus that gives you onboard air for other projects. Also gives you Maxi-Brakes for parking rather than the problem prone cable operated drum style parking brake that hydraulic trucks have, have also seen some Fords with a hydraulic style Maxi-Brake. Works OK but parts are expensive.
Also consider air ride, a lot easier on your back and the truck. There are also trucks around that have air compressors, air ride and still have hydraulic brakes for Non-CDL applications.
Try to avoid the automatics, a Fuller six speed will do it better and cheaper to repair.
Check clutch condition as they tend to have a higher speed reverse and some drivers don't understand you need to engage and disengage clutch completely when backing into a dock, not slip it the whole time. Had one driver here that needed a clutch adjustment about every two weeks, could not back up without slipping the dickens out of that poor clutch. .
If you do purchase a Freightliner product and have any questions, please ask away. I see there is a new member that works at a FTL dealership in New York also so between the two of us we can help you.
Don't wish to confuse you, only want to see you get something that you will be happy with and enjoy.
Mike.
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