96 and earlier powertrain options- what is best?

Power isn't the issue. I'm wondering which of the engine and transmission combinations are most reliable and easiest to work on. The straight six, 5.0, or 5.8? Is there a significant difference in fuel economy and parts prices between the three? Is the six noticeably slower? Do these all come with different gearboxes, and are any of them weak? Are all of the 96's OBDII?

Thanks

All 96 pick ups will be OBDII. I would either go with the 5.0 for an all around truck. It will get about the same fuel mileage and have a little more power with a little less torque.

Between me and my family we've had all three from 78 up to 97. If you want fuel economy go with the300/6... it does good as long as you don't try to run it like a v8... also watch the eng coolant temp sensors, they go bad but don't show out of range. But for performance go with the 351... it doesn't get any worse mpg than the 302 but has better power and can be moded just as easy.

But as for me... powerstroke'n... I'll never go back to gas in a truck!!
:2cents: :bigthumb: