Multi use truck

[AMcCormick]

I am looking to get a new to me truck that will be used as a generel go out and have fun truck as well as daily driver/work truck. Need to be able to tow easily but not all the time. Leaning towards the 2nd gen Dodges, cant really afford the new trucks. I have driven a couple of these trucks and it feels like the grunt is there just not very quick. I have also driven many mles with an 01 and 06 Duramax. The 01 was a nice truck quick and grunty. The 06 was just plain fast and towed our 11000# boat no problem, it felt better than the SuperDuty. From what I do know is that the Cummings are the most reliable engines. So how far do you have to go on a build up to get the quick throttle response that makes the truck fun to drive? Then how far can you go before upgrading the transmission, would prefer an auto. This truck will be used as multipurpose but built up around Mexico and SouthAmerican windsurfing trips so it needs to be strong and very reliable. Current truck is a 97 Dodge 1/2ton 4x4. Its been a good truck but way underpowered and geting very tired.



Thanks, Andy

 

[NVR FNSH]

Mexico & South America screams '94-'98 truck with a mechanically controlled 12V engine & 5spd manual IMO. I wouldn't want to be worrying about the electronically controlled '98. 5 - later 24V/VP44 engines.



Brian

 

[Missouri Mule]

96 to 98 12 valves, auto trans are 180 hp and you can go up from there with a fuel plate/injectors/larger air filter/ open up the exhuast the last two depend how many horses you want.