OK my turn-truck questions.

[torredcuda]

I am also thinking about buying a truck in a month or so as the old Neon just hit 112k and I`m getting worried about that 4 cyl giving out,anyone know how long the 2.0 motor is good for?My current plow truck is an `85 Ramcharger which isn`t that great for towing with the short wheel base and I`d prefer a p/u bed.From reading the other truck posts I will be looking for a 3/4 ton 4x4 for plowing and towing.I do occasional local towing but would like to tow the `cuda to Carlisle on an open trailer.my limiting factor is money and I don`t want a big payment so I will be loking for either an older `72-92 model or poosibly a `93-95 or so model.Gas mileage is more of a concern than raw power as it will share daily driver duties with the Neon.So,questions are-
Pros and cons of older versus newer model Rams,should I spend the extra money for a newer one or will an older model be fine?

I`ve never had one or know much about desiels so I am leaning towards a gas engine,pros and cons of running a desiel as far as maintenence etc. and for plowing?

Any year/model/engine/transmissions to look for or avoid when searching the want ads?

[Chryco Psycho]

If you can get a good cummins 95-97 are the Best , pre 24 valve , don`t worry about milage too much the drivetrain is good for approx 1,000,000 miles properly maintained , the auto trannys need to be rebuilt before that though , thye give awesome power & milage , the front ends are the weak point with poorly designed control arms & panhard & stabilizer links
 Myself & a number of friends have bought diesels & we were all sceptical , but after owning them for a few weeks none of us will go back to gas , , the Cummins is awesome 

[dimples]

Or, the older 318/360 powerd trucks, in the 72-78/9 range, are good.
Don't get e 4x4, unless you really need one, for maintenance pourposes.

[torredcuda]

How about the older diesels?There`s a `91 W250 diesel with plow for $2500 in the local want ads.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have an 89 , it is a great truck
 the weak link with them is the usless getrag tranny 5 spd man , other  than that they are Tough trucks & easy to get parts fro as that body was used from 71 - 93

[torredcuda]

Anything to look for when checking out a diesel as they all sound like they have bad rod knock to me? 

[dimples]

Oil leaks.
Color of coolant.
Clutch/tranny operation.
Smooth idle. (No missing/skipping/8 cycling)

[JS27N0B]

Color and quantity of smoke under acceleration.