What's about the easiest truck to work on that'll tow 5 ton?

[newbury]

I'm getting frustrated working on modern vehicles. I'm about due for another vehicle. My 2002 F350 isn't too bad.
But are there less complex trucks that are rated to haul 5 ton?
I'm not real concerned about fuel mileage, don't drive that far usually. Want something reliable and easy to work on.
I'd like something with the complexity of my 95 M4700.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Just got back from my mechanic. $1500.00 lighter in the pocket book for a steering box.

Got to drive an interesting loaner for the morning. 99 FORD 350, 2WD, no rust from New Mexico, With an Old CUMMINS replacement engine! Mechanic says the Engine connects with like three wires! Gotta love that!

 

[4570Man]

Ford is far harder to work on than a Chevy. They mounted the engine under the firewall. And the Chevy trucks drive better than a Ford at least from the era trucks you’re wanting.

 

[Industrial Toys]

That cummins kind of disappeared under the firewall.

My Mechanic was praising FORDs cabin structure.

I realized once again how nice (and plush) the interiors were back then (99).

Getting into my 08 Duramax after driving that 99 F350 was like driving a Cadilac!

 

[nisaacs]

For simplicity, I would go with the Dodge/Cummins 1st gen, '91.5-'93 D-250/350, 5 spd. or if you need 4x4, W-250/W350. Stay away from the auto's of that era. Second choice would be Dodge/Cummins '94-'98 2nd gen, 5spd 2500/3500.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm getting frustrated working on modern vehicles. I'm about due for another vehicle. My 2002 F350 isn't too bad.
But are there less complex trucks that are rated to haul 5 ton?
I'm not real concerned about fuel mileage, don't drive that far usually. Want something reliable and easy to work on.
I'd like something with the complexity of my 95 M4700.

2000 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 is rated for 12,500.

 

[dodge man]

When you say “haul” 5 tons, do you mean tow? If I were looking for something to tow 5 tons I would look for a newer 3/4 ton or 1 ton gasser. By newer I mean say 2001 or newer. You could find an older diesel, the early Cummins are very simple, but then you have all the problems of an older truck, rust, needs brakes, etc. If you find a nice low mileage one they want 30k for it. A newer gas engine with low miles are easy to find.

 

[crashz]

Another good option is gas engine 3/4 ton trucks. The GM trucks from late 99 - 2007 were rugged and pretty easy to work on. Some annoying glitches (wheel bearings, heater resistors, dashes, grounds, t- case holes) but the motor and trans were great. The majority of complaints were fuel mileage and rust. But will pull a house down and be pretty reliable. Not bad to work on either.

Newer models have some advantages, but bodies and electronics are even cheaper. Love my 2012, but if I hand wash it aggressively, I could dent it.

 

[Motorboatin]

May be old but they don't get much easier to fix

 

[jaxs]

In light duty trucks,I must aggree that for simplicity and duriability, 12 valve Cummins is hard to beat. Last time I looked under the hood with a Cat,it was far less cluttered than Powerstrok,Duramax and Cummins. While shopping,keep in mind that above a certain GVWR,Cat and Cummins could be ordered in a Ford, GMC and Dodge. 90% of problems with all modern engines involve's EPA mandated equipment. For instance,look at a 6.0L Ford sold in Mexico ,take note of milage and ask owner if it has broke down. For that matter,90% of hydro-locks, blown heads and such on USA 6.0L Fords were caused by failure of EPA devices. The other 10% were caused by owner installed hot rod tuning.