Big Bri -
I've been following your thread with great interest. First of all, I admire you're enthusiasm about getting out of the rat race and starting something new that you might actually enjoy!
One question that sticks out in my mind....you said you're selling your business.....so would this new job be a needed primary source of income, or just a side business that you hope to make money at, but aren't strapped if you don't? Big difference between the two.
I'm actually in a similar situation. I work overseas, and would LOVE to quit and work for myself at home. I love operating equipment and own outright several pieces of equipment, with a 1 ton PU and the trailer to haul everything. (except the 2 big ones) I'm gunshy at this point but not ruling it out down the road when I'm in a more financially capable status. (able to lose $$$...:laughing
And, I've got a pit about 3 miles from my house....
Back to the dump truck. I recently bought and sold a 1 ton dump for a big dirt project that's been completed. I shopped around quite a bit, and was going back and forth between a 5-ton type rig, (just under CDL, like the ford you're looking at) or a 1 ton+ with 4wd. I ended up with a F350 460 gasser. Now you would think with a monster gas engine it would pull OK......not. With a decent load, it was a dog. One older IH dump with the small diesel was also a dog on the test drive, and that was empty! Point being, I have to agree with builder that the 5.9 motor, albeit a good motor, might be struggling with a good load, particularly if you have hills. One truck I looked at was a ford with the bigger CAT, and the seller offered to take it for a test drive to the pit and load/drive it with a full load of gravel.....which was a great idea, but he was asking way to much $$$$. My next dump, will probably be an IH with the DT466. I would seriously consider a F550 w/10' bed 4wd with a 7.3 motor, (4wd giving you more accessibility) but the prices for these rigs is prohibitive.
Definitely have the mechanic go over it, I've done this several times with equipment and it can be a lifesaver.
Best of luck, and looking forward to seeing which way this goes....!