[MSF BU]

I have a mechanic who takes his time and has low overhead working out of a backwater garage with a lift. I basically had him replace everything that looked old. I’ve been able to keep the body and frame in great shape despite living near the ocean. Six thousand later I think this will keep for a while. Plus with a manual transmission, fewer and fewer people can borrow it. Lubricate and change fluids and filters often and most of your problems take care of themselves.

[Sequoyah101]

Keep them in a dry garage. That and regular oil and other fluid changes I think are the key to longevitiy. You can't stop rust and discoloration of the engine in a lot of places.

My truck has a Manuel transmission. The kids at the lumber yard and nursery are amazed to see one. I have only had one truck in the last 53 years that was an automatic.