Diesel Bombers - Florida Newbie

Was cruising the net trying to find a decent Diesel forum and stumbled upon this one.

I don't have a Diesel...yet, but got hooked some time ago.

Have always had gas powered cars and trucks. Several Camaros, a Vette, Some MOPARS, etc., as well as my share of 4WD's -

74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
83 Toyota Longbed-Standard cab
85 Forerunner SR5 (last of the solid front axles)
and my most recent addition, an 89 Toyota LandCruiser FJ62 with the standard gas engine (for sale to offset the cost of the diesel).

I'm a retired LEO, native Floridian, former Coastie, a business owner, Gov't contractor and an active member and project coordinator, for a Deployable SAR (Search & Rescue) team based here in Florida.

As a team member, I will on occasion have need to pull airboats of varying sizes, an amphibious tracked vehicle and from time to time, various fixed hull boats, along with our SAR gear and supplies. We have a logistics team that deploys with us to provide major provisions (from housing to food, etc.), and medical personnel who deploy with us.

But my personal gear goes with me.

I also have a 3 year old grand daughter, my ridin' partner:pals: who lives in the house with me. She used to love to ride in "papa's cor-vette" and went to shows and such with me all the time.

So I know she's gonna want to ride in "papa's truck" too. Between her and the rest of the family, I need the crew cab version and all the room I can get. Thought about converting a diesel van to 4WD, but I've never really been "hooked" on the 4wd van conversions, Besides, between the team, the contract work and life in general, you can always use a pick up truck:U:

I've looked around and have pretty much decided on the Ford F250 diesel Crew Cab 4x4, probably a an older model (99-05?), depending on the purchasing options (whether it's out of pocket as is most of our gear is, available grant $$, or public support, etc. - We are a Non-Profit Org.).

From my research, it seems it will provide me the power I want, the room I need and a level of comfort for those long hauls.

I am looking forward to reading an listening to what others have to say on the topics, and trying to learn as much as I can about these vehicles and diesels in general.

I'm also a moderator on a Corvette related (regional) forum here in Florida (Flori-Duh), and have moderated several other forums over the years, so I'll try not to do anything that might be out of line here.

BTW-KUDOS to whoever wrote your TOS. They were a hoot and very down to earth...felt like I was reading something from a friend rather than a business. Nice job:c:

And if I do get out of line, feel free to :bat:

Looking forward to hanging out:c: