I know this isnt a really big deal, but im new to the Dodge world, ive always owned Fords but the 1st gen cummins I just bought is very addicting. Heres what I need help with, I currently own:

97 F-150 xlt 2wd shortbed Triton V8/auto, new trans 5k ago which was last march if that tells you how much I drive it. 120K on the clock but needs alot of maintenance right now to the tune of 900 bucks...tires/tune up...etc

93 Mazda Protege (Weedeater) thats my daily driver but on its last leg w/ 187k on it and burning more oil than gas (hence the name) but saves me from firing up my trucks all day long at work.

90 W250 4x4 long bed cummins/auto...Im loving this truck but needs some serious body work, no rust its just dented up badly. Could stand to have new doors and bed, paint. to be a nice truck

Heres my dilemma, I have the option right now to buy a 87 4x4 ram 150 gasser for 600 bucks. Then only thing wrong w/ it is needing to be fired back up considering it's sat for a year due to gas prices. I want this vehicle to use parts for my 90 (which im pretty sure are interchangeable) and then take my other parts and slap them back on the gasser and drive it, but I really cant afford 3 trucks and a car and this isnt including my fiances Lexus GS. The only thing I worry about is getting rid of my f150 which is what I would like to do I think is the newness of it as opposed to these old rams. So what would you do? If I got a few grand out of my f150 I could probably have a sweet 250 I would think... Im getting married next month so the $$ to purchase the gasser ram is an issue to an extent but I hate to pass it up. What would yall do? I mean the diesel is rough on the edges but ultimately pretty bulletproof and fairly simple to work on right? Im afraid I wont be able to trust the rams like I do my f150 (please dont flame..lol) since its what I usually pull my camper and atvs with to the mountains. Should I fear the "oldie but goodies"? I hope someone understands where im at with this and any advice it appreciated oh and if youre still reading....Thanks! -Josh

 

I didn't see where you said how many miles were on the clock of the CTD but from your sig, it looks like it ought to be pretty reliable. Have you pulled your trailer with the CTD yet? If not, I'd suggest trying it. I think that pulling with the CTD will make your decision for you. Yes, new (relatively) and pretty is nice but if your Cummins is in good shape mechanically, I'd trust it further than just about any gasser and remember, that F150 is 10 years old already. Even if you do have mechanical issues, the 1st gen will almost always be easier to fix than the F150 (less electronics, etc.).

I vote to sell the Ford and build the Dodge.

 

Another vote to sell the ford gasser and BOMB the Heck outta the Cummins.
Afterall, it's better to have a good runnin' cummins than a good lookin one!

BTW, have you looked into trading in the fiance?

 

Agreed. If it were me I'd sell the 1/2 ton. Keep the Cummins for a heavy hauler. Maybe rebuild or replace the Protege engine for a daily driver.

 

Drop the Lexus. Seriously, if you owe on it, sell it get a good gas burner to replace it. Then sell the F150 (I am very biased, mine was/is horrible), then BOMB the truck. A Cummins with 1 million on it should show some useage, and remember, those dents could tell stories. You could sell the mazda too, but it sounds like a daily driver. Maybe look for a dodge spirit/plymouth acclaim. My dad had one for years and it got 20+mpg. Hes not driving it now cause it needs rings. Just some ideas

 

Maybe another perspective here. Sell all three and get a newer cummins and a beater car. Or like has already been said sell the f150 and rebuild the protege and cummins.

 

Good thoughts so far, the Lexus isnt my car to sell I made her buy it b/c its safe (lots of airbags) and comfy and my fiance loves it plus I paid less than a new civic for it... so thats out thats the only car ive ever owned thats worth more than I owe.. I think yall are on track here though the f150 is 10 years old now so I probably will ditch it and dump some $ into the diesel. I already trust it more b/c I feel anything that happens to it will be a easy fix b/c you can actually see what your working on and just not as much crap to break. As far as selling all 3 haloman its a great idea but Id still owe and everything I have right now is paid for, know what I mean? I think im going to buy the 87 gasser and swap parts to make a nice diesel and then sell the f150...man am I going to miss my overdrive..lol.. I appreciate the thoughts on this...does anyone know for sure 87 and 90 models will interchange beds and doors? Oh and as far as trading the fiance Murf...im upside down on that one so im stuck w/ her...

 

youll be fine there, no worries

That Dodge will be like an old baseball cap before long--you won't want to go anywhere without it. Toss a higher RPM gov. spring at it and some taller tires and you'll be doing just fine on the highway. It's a tough choice, as I'm sure the Ford looks nicer and rides nicer...but long-term value is more than skin deep