This 97 460 i got has just been bad because at some point, some overheated the piss out of it, prolly numerous times, and traded it off once they realized they screwed it up, and me, losing my mind over a super clean OBS low mileage big block (im not a diesel guy), didnt check it over like i should have. Now that the whole thing is more less rebuilt its a damn good truck.
The 89 i had had a 78 460 from a lincoln (i believe), it burned oil/coolant at an alarming rate and i just offed it because i was sick of it.
I could get by with a New 150, yes, but it wouldnt be as nice on my wallet. Plus, like i said, there are way to many things about them i cant stand. I guess what im saying is why would i spend that much on a truck that, to me, is uglier, less comfortable, harder to work on, etc then my 97 is juat to have roughly the same capabilities (on paper anyways, i think real world the 97 would do more, but thats just an opinion). Just so i can get 18-20 mpg instead of 10-13? So i can run 80 on the freeway towing my camper without worrying about RPM? (A 460 in 3rd with 4.10s screams at 65+), its not worth it to me.
If i live long enough to replace my 97, the only "modern" trucks id look at would be superduties, Just because its eaiser to find a 8ft bed and they have a real front end under them. You live in MI, you know how big the holes can get, how crappy the dirt roads can be, this is another reason i have stuck with I beam/solid axle stuff. The expys i had were in constant need of ball joints, tie rods, alingment, etc.
I had a 78 F350 dually. That thing would carry so much it was ridiculious. IIRC it had 13springs+2 overloads, but yes if you hit RR tracks to hard youd be shittin your kidneys out at the next gas station that you had to stop at cause it got 6mpg. But, i like my trucks to ride rough and handle vauge. Its just me.
I know the older trucks (spicially in the 70s) had low tow ratings, but i often wonder how much of that was because trailer brakes/brake controllers were so primitive or non existiant.
My camper is 32ftlong and 7000-7200lbs andnhas the aero of cabover semi. My 77 with its wheezing 400 and crazy 3,07 gear handled it pretty decent, had i put a 3.73 in it like i was planning it would done great. But ford reccomended no more then 3000--3500lbs with a 400/3.07. However, without trailer brakes, it wont stop it. But the truck itself could of handled much, much more.
As far as priorites go, im much more likely to keep a vehicle i like that is less then reliable (My 97) then one thats reliab,e that i cant stand (my wifes escape), and every now and again i get one i like that is also reliable (my 77).
When i buy a vehicle i buy based on price, and what i like. Everything else can be fixed.