Advice, please?

Also true. But I'm budgeting high on potential expenses and somewhat on the low end for income. My figuring is it is better to have extra money socked away for "oh crud" than to go cheap and screw myself before I even start.

 

Also kicking around the idea of an inframe and go from there as well. Which would put me (I'm figuring) at the two year mark before replacing the motor with a reman.

 

I fully expect an infrared to last longer, especially with my incredibly anal maintenance program. Bit if I have the money to do a swap in two years, that money can sit and accrue interest until I actually do need it.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have, yes?

 

Third party out of Scranton, PA. $9500-10,000 plus shipping with a good core.

 

I'd go with that as a plan, but I have zero paperwork on this truck. I test drove the frog snot out of it, and it *feels* good and strong. But I don't want a major oh crap breakdown in my first six months because I didn't spend the money and do the work up front.

I'm still employed as a company driver, so I still have income rolling in regularly. Spend a month now getting MY truck fully ready to rock and roll while the income is steady versus spending month later with zero income, yes?

Plus, if the truck is in solid, reliable shape and I have the assurances I want for having done the work now, my cost per mile will drop a tiny bit. Meaning more money in pocket to put towards other expenses with owning my very first truck all by myself.

I will admit, there are some small concerns with finally making this jump. But I'm really excited, too. I'm just hunting out everything that could be a failure point, and working to stay ahead of them. Success is the goal!