Suggestions on what used truck to buy?

[ghsnu]

Hey y'all, it's been awhile since I've been on here (not much has changed lol). Recently I've been wanting to buy a truck, mainly to replace my '66 Mustang as a daily driver and to (obviously) haul stuff/tow stuff. I'm looking at '97-'04 F-150s as my dad owns a '98 with 150k miles and has had no major problems since new. My question is what would y'all recommend (and the mileage I should look for on each)? I've been around Fords mostly so I don't know much about how the Chevy/Ram/Toyota trucks are. Looking to spend no more than $6k and could care less if it's diesel or gas (preferably not carbureted).

 

[synchromesh]

Rams are the only full size pickup you can get with a stick, I'd go there if you don't want to drive a mid size.