choosing a tow rig

[chidrunr]

Looking to get a tow rig soon. I've decided on diesel. would love a cummins but after looking around I've decided I cant really afford one. Refuse to own a chevy diesel, unless its duramax, cant afford that. So I think my budget is going to be and older ford 7.3. I know the early ones dont have turbo's, which is ok with me(unless you guys advise otherwise). I have seen some early ones that I know dont come with turbo from factory, but they have a "turbo conversion".

So my question's are these:

1 Are there certain years I need to stay away from?

2 Are there certain transmissions I dont want?

3 "Turbo conversions" ok?

4 What other questions should I be asking but cant think of?

Thanks for any insight and advice you can give me. Brian

By the way my budget is about $8k

 

[AlphaFourWheelDrive]

I saw a Cummins in the paper the other day for 7900. I don't remember what year, maybe 93? Keep looking around.