STALKING THE USED PICKUP

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And how about the transmission for that pickup? Automa or standard? Four-speed or three? Which is best? Most durable? Well, I don't know exactly . . . but here are some of the pros and cons.

Three-speed, standard shift transmissions are tough, simple, and easy to work on . . . but they don't have that compound bottom gear which gives SO much torque and which is so handy out back of beyond. Then again, there's no synchramesh on the four-speed's bottom gear, which means that yon have to be standing still to shift into compound low . . . and frequently you aren't when you want to shift the most. T` four-speed is more complicated to work on, too. Still, that bottom gear is nice to have.

Folks who like them, consider modern automatic transmissions to be probably the most misunderstood pieces of machinery in history. Contrary to popular belief, they say. today's automatic transmission—although probably not quite a rugged as a standard—is certainly rugged. Furthermore, an automatic delivers power to the rear wheels more smoothly thaws standard, giving an automatic-equipped truck better traction in mud and snow. Most of today's drivers find an automatic transmission easier to handle, too, and—given reasonable care—it should last at least 100,000 miles.

Unfortunately, there's just one catch: you're never going to be able to fix an automatic transmission yourself unless you know exactly what you're doing and you have the special tools necessary for the job. Chances are, you don't . . . and hiring the work done is expensive. If you're lucky, you'll never face the problem. Then again . . .

Happily, selecting a rear end for your truck is easier . . . partly because you have fewer choices. If you buy a 3/4-ton, you'll automatically get a significantly larger and heavier-duty rear end than is available for 1/2-ton pickups. A two-speed rear end is offered on both sizes by some manufacturers and—if you find one—consider yourself fortunate. They're usually pretty good. I consider posi-traction (limited slip) rear ends almost a must in rugged terrain.

If you get a chance to pick up a four-wheel drive vehicle and it's in good condition, I'd say do it! It'll have almost unlimited use on your farm, especially if you make sure the machine has quickdisengage hubs (such as Warn) up front which will allow those wheels to roll freely when you want. Driving on the road with all four wheels powered can give you a superior form of headache and additional mechanical problems later.

Most truck manufacturers offer a power take-off option front, rear and sometimes even amidship on at least their 3/4-ton pickups. PTO is not at all necessary when you're using a pickup only for hauling but it's a handy thing to have for running winches, loaders, snow blowers and other accessories that folks sometimes put on personal trucks.

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