kblackav8or said:
I had a coworker offer my 24k for my 2k converted dually today. Probably as much as I could want for it if it were for sale. What I am thinking as a replacement is a mid/late 90's crew cab International with a DT-466 and a manual trans. I have a 3500lb Alpenlite truck camper and a 28 foot Pace Pursuit car trailer. That is quite a bit to put on a 1 ton dually but within spec. The Internationals I have seen would handle that with ease. What should I expect to spend? What years to look for and ones to avoid. I am interested in any information that might help guide me to a good purchase. For example I found an early 90's model with about 100k on it, a 10 speed OD, air brakes and air ride for about 19k. Has 3.70's and 22.5 tires. Can this truck cruise at 65-75? What is cruising RPM for the 466. I would think about 2000 rpm but having never driven one I don't know. I figure i will add a tow bed or modify one to raise the camper high enough to clear the cab. I want to not be spending more then I get from my truck so that keeps me in the used catagory.
Kevin
Kevin,
The early 90's model you looked at with O/D, 3.70's and 22.5's might be able to go more like 85 MPH! Mine has a .74 O/D with 5.38's and 12R22.5's and will go ~68-70MPH at ~2500RPM, so the one you looked at would have a much higher top speed. If the truck is set up that way, I'd bet you'll cruise 70MPH at ~2000 RPM. Make sure the 10 speed is an O/D, to be sure. I assume it's a 5 speed with a 2 speed rear ??
The early 90's models are excellent mechanical diesels so long as you're OK with the HP level. There's not a lot you can do with them except turn up the pump, tighten the gov springs or advance the timing to get another ~30HP, so be sure to check the top of the DT for the HP rating label. I would think anything over 195HP would be plenty for what you're doing. If you want to go higher, you have to buy a new pump, turbo and injectors to get a lot more power. In ~'95, they switched to electronic so there's a few weak modules out there that will plug in and give you ~50HP & 100 ft lbs. Mark Craig sells a module for the electronic DT466.
I've seen decked-out mid 90's crewcabs with a hauler bed on back sell for low-mid 20's, so i think you'll be able to afford a truck like you want, but it might have 100-200K on it.
There's another member here Markinter that has a crewcab 4900 with a camper on it and he really seems to like it. I thought he was thinking about selling it, so you might want to get ahold of him and ask him how he likes his, too.
On edit: I know it's 10 grand more than you want to spend, but this would be a dream ride and would easily pull the load you have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...613545336QQcategoryZ86878QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here's an even better option, you could easily add very comfy seats to this truck and customize it!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...613616062QQcategoryZ84151QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Most trucks you're showing (except the first one) are definately "work dogs", like mine that you can't wait to stop driving. 
