ok fellas, im new here, and i have drove big truck with a bullrack for 3 1/2 years and hauled horses and cattle with my old fords with the 6.9 deisels for a while before that. Im thinking of going back to gooseneckin livestock and i found a truck. it is a 97 3/4-ton 4x4 with extended cab and long-box . it has 5.9 -12valve backed by auto tranny with an upgrade{not sure wich} and it has 96000 miles on it. I can pick it up for $8000.00 but here is the kicker, it has been wrecked! not bad , but it has a new hood and fenders, and needs a cab corner and possibly a box-side skin and paint -eventually. no frame damage. it has brand new 33 inch tires with uluminum centerline rims and about $1000 in the stereo-{no biggie!} but the guy has been driving it for about 1 1/2 years this way. He worked at a body shop until the shop closed its doors and he lost his job. Now he has to sell the truck or let the bank take it back. is this truck worth it ? i think so ;D whats your opinion?

 

as far as buying a wrecked vehicle.....u had better count on keepin it basically forever....cuz no one is gonna want it ...also...i would think that u would want a manual tranny but i guess the auto is alright if it has been upgraded...what was the reason for the upgrade or rebuild?<br>

 

not sure, i am dealing with this guy on the truck and he had to leave for a week for a job interview where he would like to move to so i will ask him more Qs when he is back. :

 

I agree never to buy a wrecked vehicle. That thing will have noises that you will never be able to find... I do not know about putting a manual in, seems like a waste of money...

 

I'd stay away if I was you. You can probably find a nice truck with a manual in it that is not wrecked for a few grand more.

 

I have been pulling loaded stock trailers for years now with 6.9, 7.3, and now 6.5 and I definatelly would not advise an automatic. I have had my bad experiences with stock and upgrades and in the end you can't afford to work if you have to pay for repairs constantly. I have had standards for the last two years and not a problem (just a lot more shifting) I haven't had any problems with our 98's auto but it doesn't do near the pulling.

 

The price is border line, And do like the others say, go for the manual if your going to tow. That way you can decide the gear you want, not the computer!

Kimrey

 

I paid 8500.00 for my 96 a few months ago. Had 102,000 all the maintenance records 1 year old myers plow and minimal body damage (few scratches and 1 small dent). My opinion I think you can find something better for the money, Just stay away from those overvalved trucks.