Hey guys my name is Sam and im new on this site. Anyway Im looking to buy my first car after a couple years of saving and I'm torn between a full size pickup either a 96 f150 or a 98 silverado 1500, and a Ranger. I want the supercab for sure either way. Im going to be doing a lot of camping/adventure type stuff, and probably throw my kx250 in the back a couple times a month to go trail riding. I wont be doing a ton of hauling, the most it will ever pull is a 5x10 utility trailer with my scag zero turn once a summer or so and a jet ski. I'm very mechanically inclined so doing modifications/repairs would not be a problem however i would rather do mods than fixes . Any suggestions as to what year and motor size would be really great! Also is there a place on this site with build threads or anything of that nature?
Thanks!

 

What is your price range?

It sounds like a Ranger is suited for you. Do you plan to carry more than 1 passenger? If so, make sure they aren't big, or they're someone you don't care that much about

 

For now $3500 is the most I can spend, is that enough for a nice one? and no most the time it will be just me a 1-2 friends and they're all pretty thin haha

 

$3500 is a fair price check ebay and craigslist i see then all the time for that price in pretty goo shape most need a few minor things but nothing major. If you want power 4.0 definitely but if you want ridiculously long life and reliability then go 3.0 they make a 2.3/2.5 but for towing with an x-cab better forget that motor it won't get out of its own way. 3.0/4.0 would fit what your doing perfect. And i personally prefer the 5 speeds after having converted mine from auto lol