What old half ton to seek out

[Orangepeel]

I have decided I want an older half ton truck. Probably 1980-mid 90’s ford GM or dodge. We own a 2020 f150 but it’s my wife’s parking lot princess. I want an older truck that I can use for stuff that actually looks like work. I can fix it up so repairs are not a concern. Which truck would you seek out as tough reasonably durable and joy to own? It’s an old truck it’s going to need work I know that. But which are the best in your opinion to buy?

 

[gfh77665]

1997 or 1998 Chevy C1500. Get a 350 under the hood or even the V6 which is the 350 minus 2 cylinders.

 

[Lawnman23]

Anything GMT400 related, more so if you can find one with little to no rust.

Parts are plentiful and relatively cheap, mechanical and electronic systems are simple enough and any/all issues have been identified over the years.

 

[Tdbo]

The one that you can find that is in the best shape.
At a certain point, brand doesn't really matter.

 

[DriveHard]

1997 or 1998 Chevy C1500. Get a 350 under the hood or even the V6 which is the 350 minus 2 cylinders.

This - you want the Vortec 350!!!

 

[JeffKeryk]

I like my Tundra, but good used ones ain't cheap. There's a reason for it. Good luck!

 

[skyactiv]

Chevy/GMC 1/2 tons have the best parts availability I'm guessing.

 

[b_b]

you'll spend more on one in good shape in those years than you would a much newer one. people have gone crazy with those old trucks, its not even economically viable at this point. the only real option is to buy something newer or older with one wheel in the grave.

 

[GMBoy]

My vote for best older truck is a GM 800 (2000-2007) series all day long. More power than the 400 series, easier to work on and parts are more available. The best of the best. Skip the 900's completely.

 

[bdcardinal]

Chevy/GMC 1/2 tons have the best parts availability I'm guessing.

I can confirm this. The aftermarket offers almost anything I can think of for my Silverado while the Super Duty is much more limited.

 

[cptbarkey]

GMT800 from a municipality, I wouldnt bother with a 90s Chevy. Too old to bother and its getting into collector dumb prices to find a clean one.

 

[Orangepeel]

I can confirm this. The aftermarket offers almost anything I can think of for my Silverado while the Super Duty is much more limited.

That’s surprising since f series trucks are so popular. You would think ford parts would be pretty easy to gather as well.

 

[walterjay]

I think GM or Chevy. I have owned a few over the years and the Chevy 1/2 ton were the best.

 

[BrendanC]

2wd coil sprung GMT800. you get rack and pinion steering that behaves very well. 4L60’s aren’t as bad as they’re made out to be if they’re taken care of. the 4.8 or 5.3l make plenty of power while maintaining decent MPG. GMT800 trucks are the best trucks GM has made IMO.

 

[johnmyster]

GMT800 trucks are the best trucks GM has made IMO.

Peak truck happened 20 years ago with the GMT800, including the duramax. Never again will we see the likes.

Including the millions of suburbans, yukons, tahoes, and avalanches produced, replacement parts will be available until the end of time. Go to a parts yard and you crawl over GMT800 trucks and SUVs until you cherry pick the best of whatever plastic bit you came for.

My pick for a "half ton" would be a 1500HD or a 2500. Gets you a 4L80e, 10.5" corp rear, 26x transfer case, and a 6.0 without the curse of AFM.

 

[bdcardinal]

That’s surprising since f series trucks are so popular. You would think ford parts would be pretty easy to gather as well.

The sheer options for a GMT800 are mindnumbing. Helps that the engine is a 6.0 LQ4 with a 4L80E so it falls into the Sloppy Mechanics category of every part has tons of options.

The Super Duty has a 6.0 diesel so there are also a ton of parts, but a lot of junk and bad advice to sift through.

 

[PontiacHO]

1997 - 2003 F150 4.6 Triton V8. Tough as nails.

 

[BrendanC]

My pick for a "half ton" would be a 1500HD or a 2500. Gets you a 4L80e, 10.5" corp rear, 26x transfer case, and a 6.0 without the curse of AFM.

only downside here is going to torsion bar front end, heavier springs (worse ride) and worse fuel economy. but really depends on what OP plans on hauling or towing. also the 1500HD/2500 are semi-float rear ends with the 8.75” front end iirc.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Remember the Titan

 

[350Rocket]

Any of these 80s-90s truck will likely go up in value over time if kept in good shape. Prices on square body GM 1987 and idler are pretty crazy now so an 88+ is probably the better option though they are going to too. 96+ has more trouble spots with the vortec engine but easier to diagnose than the pre obd2.
I didn't see it mentioned if it needed to be 4x4 so I'm assuming no?
I'm a gmt800 fan (99-07 GM) but you said up to mid 90s so I assume that's too new. If not, as some stated above the 2wd with rack and pinion rides and drives much nicer than my 4x4, but I need it for work (land surveying).