what would you choose?

[J man]

Say you have four grand, and you need 4x4 for where you live. Would you rather buy a nicer truck for more money or an ok one for less and put money into it. Its going to be your daily driver. Would you get a 1970-72, square body or a 1988-94?
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[Redcap]

Squarebody. Should be able to find a real decent one for $2k.

[andrewmp6]

I would look at square body trucks that fit my need and i would spend more on the truck that's in nicer shape.If i bought something that needed work it would be a nice truck that needs a engine or trans something simple to me.The question is do you need a pickup or a k5 blazer maybe suburban?

[Mike C]

Square body by far the best bang for the buck. And with nearly 20 years of models, prices will continue to stay lower and parts availability (used at least) will be better for a long time.

I would spend more money up front to get as nice a truck as possible. You will need to do repairs/ugrades over time to anything you drive so get as clean a truck as you can will save you money long term.

[J man]

Thanks for commenting, the square bodies are cool trucks, are all of them all time 4wd from the factory? I have been pondering getting a blazer, but I like the look of trucks more.
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[86454k30]

IMO I would buy a 88+ GM 4x4 for best bang for your buck. This coming from a guy who has had a TON of 81-87 GM 4x4s. There quite a few on craigslist in your price range. They drive great and honestly have few problems. The 88-94 trucks interiors wear like iron! They have their own inherent issues mostly idler/pitman arm wear, door handles. I still love the 73-87 trucks but for a "driver" you can not beat a 88-98 GM4x4!

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3915579814.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3913048165.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3901619095.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3899170299.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3888150967.html

These are just some example i found with a quick search using "silverado"

[J man]

I actually had a 90 step side and really liked it, a lot of electrical problems though. I really don't want an engine with a computer either, what year did they implement the computer?
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[86454k30]

87 for a computer that ran the fuel injection. 82-83 for a computer that ran functions of the distributor and carburetor on 1/2 tons and blazers.

[dieseldawg142]

^^^ i agree. i've owned 5 or 6 67-72's, 7 or 8 squares, & only one 88-94. same as Jman, 90 stepper (350/5spd, 4by). bought it for my wife in '98 from orig. owner with 45k. was leery about buying an ifs truck, being totally used to leafs & solid axles. she dailyed it for 9 yrs with just 1 clutch-nothing else. then i took over daily driving it in 08. i,ve put over 100k harder miles (everything-mild to wild off road, took it across canada, & commute 15 miles each way to work everyday), with yes, the pitman idler arm replacement & 2 cv's. they will outride any square 4by for daily driving, will get better fuel mileage, and as i'm still finding out, just as durable as my 85 K30 crew in the driveway
the K30 is waaay more fun to drive though

[andrewmp6]

Some things to think about like do you want a long bed or short bed,Do you want a stick or auto,And even do you want a gas engine or diesel?