They're good trucks, period

. I've noticed manual ones "survive" longer, but it really depends on the driver/owner. The main problem is they never die unless you kill it...if you consider that a problem

. They're fix-able by the average/below average mechanic. And recently I've noticed there's companies (in America!!) that sell new/used/reconditioned/aftermarket parts for these trucks. Anything from almost-complete trucks to the "little-do-hickey-thingy" part under the truck

. I'm currently looking for a 79-83 pickup...slightly different body, same dependability.