Need help on truck decision!

[Grangerg]

I am looking at getting a USED truck & have many questions that I am needing help with. Here is my situation. I have 3 little kids still in car seats, so I need a CC. I am partial to the manual stick shift & use the truck for hauling hay several times a year, hauling a stock trailer & hauling an enclosed snowmobile trailer. I am looking for something that is "decent" fuel mileage with & without a load, but yet have the power when I need it. I have tried doing the research & am trying to find the "best" year. I know that 03-04.5 Dodge's, were signature year's, but I am curious to see what year's were standout year(s) for Ford's & what engine fit what I am looking for & were dependable. I know they each (Ford/Dodge) have there own pro's & con's, but I am just looking for helpful information on JUST Ford's to compare.

[bigcountrysg]

I would look at 99-07 crew cabs. You can go with the 99-03 7.3L or the 03-07 6.0L. But since you want the stick I would go with 99-03 7.3L.

[Grangerg]

Any recomendation on either a 250 or 350??