Ford enough said. Whether you have a 5.0 or a 4.9 does not matter. The truck will give its all and them some. Automatic or stick does not matter either. Your best decision was deciding on a Ford.

 

1955-1996, anything below a 97 is good. But 92-96 are best looking.

 

It sounds like the 9th generation is kind of a consensus here. Figuring I find a stock truck that has not been rebuilt,what would you guys consider too much mileage? I have found a couple of trucks with 200k.

My '94 XL had 253K on the odometer! I have the 4.9L, and like others have said it's a beast. Been driving mine 6 months now and no problems, knock wood. Like to hear how this one turned out?

 

Good choice with the Ford anything before the body style change in 1997 they get ugly after that in my opinion

 

8th gen and 9th gen both have their advantages and disadvantages, most the people on here have the 9th gen so a mojority of the responses your getting are biased

 

The 94-96 with the 300 are the best. My 94 had 200k on it when donated and my rust free 95 is going to turn 225k by the weekend. Both trucks have the 5 speed Mazda. These have got to be one of the cheapest vehicles to maintain for a DIY mechanic. Its not uncommon for a 300 to go 300k miles before a rebuild.
Areas to check are front suspension, steering box, oil pan and seal issues, and broken leaf springs.
The only recurring issue I've had is the battery terminals.
My 95 delivers 16-17 mpg in every day driving and has a best of 20.5 mpg @ 65-70 mph on a recent 287 mile trip. Its usually down 1/2 quart when I change my oil (5k miles) and it doesn't leak anything. I have changed the alternator, starter, water pump, and MAP sensor. PO did the clutch, rear main, and steering box.
I hope this truck lasts a long time because I really dislike the newer (97+) F 150s.
YMMV
rikard

 

I have owned my ninth gen 95 300 4.9L for about 3 years now. Has 276k on the odometer. Everything is original other than usual tune up items. Only other things I've had to replace were the starter, and the high pressure power steering line which was my fault (full lock doing donuts too long LOL). She's never left me on the side of the road and happily starts everyday

 

Forgot to add mine is an automatic.