Who here daily drives their square body? (long(

[Cue-Ball]

Since selling my motorcycle several months ago my '80 SWB has become my daily driver. I really enjoy my truck and don't feel like I'm missing anything by not having power leather seats, satellite radio, 14 cup holders, and all of the other crap that new cars have. I really much prefer my old truck with manual windows, a big bench seat, and very little stuff to fiddle with or break.

Having said that, I have a short commute to work (8 miles each way) and still go through gas like water. I can't imagine what it would be like driving twice as far or having 4WD, a heavier truck, or a big block. Even without a car payment, the fuel costs would be killer. I really, really, really love my truck... but even so, I will probably end up selling it to buy something more "practical". It's great as a fun/weekend vehicle, but not really the best choice for a daily driver. The smiles per mile is high, but the cost of operation is too, even though it's paid for and reliable.

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by Cue-Ball

Having said that, I have a short commute to work (8 miles each way) and still go through gas like water. I can't imagine what it would be like driving twice as far or having 4WD, a heavier truck, or a big block. Even without a car payment, the fuel costs would be killer. I really, really, really love my truck... but even so, I will probably end up selling it to buy something more "practical". It's great as a fun/weekend vehicle, but not really the best choice for a daily driver. The smiles per mile is high, but the cost of operation is too, even though it's paid for and reliable.

Well, there is another solution so that we can have it all. The 6.2L diesel comes to mind as well as the Cummins 6BT. I have both of these powerplants in my square bodies and mid to upper 20's is typical. The 6.2L used to be looked down upon for being smokey and slow but the aftermarket came to the rescue with the turbocharger or exhaust headers which really wakes up this engine.
There Cummins are a dime and a dozen because the engines outlasted the truck they were put in. I'm seeing a lot more conversions with the high price of fuel because people don't want to give up on their square bodies.