So, Ive been paying down some debt and working a lot of hours. In a month I will have no debt and then I plan to work and save a good amount over the summer(I have a lot of projects to do, fortunately I can do most of it without buying stuff).
I also have all of fall and technically winter, but would prefer to buy another before winter or I would just assume wait till spring, because I dont want to use it in the snow. Maybe.
THESE NEXT THREE PARAGRAPHS IN ITALICS ARE A RAMBLE OF THOUGHTS, ARE NOT NECESSARY TO THREAD QUESTION
Question is, is there something I should look for? I am a fan of round eyes, would like a half ton, prefer long bed, and would lean toward 2wd but all four of those details can be reasoned with if I find a good deal or a nice condition truck.
I see a lot of 82-85s go for sale around me, typically long bed short cab 4wd, but since my experience with squares are 1978 and 1980, are there any suggested years for various features?
AC, manual/auto, electric windows, etc are all not deciding factors for me. Since I have a manual, an automatic doesnt bother me. Are 700rs good transmissions, or should I stick with a TH350? Any engine options ever offered just complete crap? I have experience with small blocks, so 305, 350, 400 would all be okay to me. Big blocks fascinate me, ive never seen one. I love inline 6s. 250/292 have any big issues?
Are there places to look for rust I might not think of? Differential options to be weary of? Gear ratios to be preferred(economy would be welcomed, but 4.10 is badass so could swing).
THIS IS THE END, HERE IS THE QUESTION
Basically, what should I, assuming I go look at a square, look for when I check it out. Are there good years / bad years Ive got some ideas based on what I own now, but collective knowledge is welcome wisdom. Im thinking my range is gonna be 2 to 6k when the time comes, but of course good deals and circumstances could change. I see some nice condition squares run about 5k on fb.