just as the title says i am wanting to buy an older cummins truck to pull with and save the wear and abuse on this one.

my questions are what are things i should look for in a truck to start with? what mileage is too high, transmission etc...

i was thinking like an early 2nd gen with the 12v non 53block and maby something thats a little bit of a fixer upper to keep the cost down.

anything else on this subject is appreciated on helping me start out

 

you've got the right idea in a truck. it took me two fords to realize what i knew all along anyway.

find a 12v with a 5spd. preferably a extended cab long bed, but thats not a big deal.

12v.......this way you already have a p-pump

5spd.......strong and cheaper than a 6spd if you grenade it. also, with a manual you automatically get the dana 80

go from there. good luck

 

Your on the right track.

I would do some research on transmisions, though. A good auto will run better and be cheaper to fix when things break, IMHO. I say this simply because I know my way around an dodge auto, but not a manual. Still, a $600 input shaft in the auto is alot cheaper than the rebuild of any manual. Don't forget that New Venture is out of business, too. Parts for them are getting more expensive and harder to find every day.

Always look for the longest wheel base. Extended cab, long bed.

 

find yourself a bus with a low mileage fleet maintained 12v and allison auto thats what im gonna try pick that up for cheap yank the motor tranny scrap the bus and find yourself a fixer upper truck but all of our other trucks has 5 speed so we are gonna try this allison one time and see if she makes or breaks will keep ya posted