If you are looking for a daily driver in a AD truck with good fuel mileage I would recemend a full pressure 235 or a 250 or a 292. These 6cyl engines will give you the best mileage. I would also look for a truck that has an open drive line. This will give you the best options for transmissions and rear ends ratios. Look into the overdrive transmissions or a 5 speed from a newer S 10. You could also look into the 60's style overdrive tranny. The reasion for the over drive is you could get by with out changing the rear end ratio from 4.11 or 3.90. This will get you the best mileage and afford higher speeds on the highway.
Whatever you decide be prepaired to change some things. You will never find a truck that has everything you want. There is all kinds of advice you just have to sort through it and decide for your self. It is a very good advice to get the best truck you can afford. You will have fewer issues to deal with.
This probably adds to the confusion but that is part of the fun.
Good luck and have fun.
Tom
