Alright folks, let’s get straight into how I finally picked the right Short Stop 24 for my work truck last month. Been needing a replacement for ages – that old bucket was costing me more in repairs than gas money!
The Nightmare Begins (and It Smoked!)
Everything started when my old short stop just gave up the ghost hauling scrap metal. Heard this awful grinding noise pulling off the highway exit, then saw smoke billowing out the hood like a bonfire. Classic. That thing had over 200k miles, so yeah, it was time.
Getting Schooled (Mostly Online)
First thing I did was hit every truck forum I know. Just typed “Short Stop 24 reviews” into Google and fell down the rabbit hole for hours. People arguing about everything! Found some decent YouTube guys showing how they rust-proofed the frame on newer models – that stuck with me.
Then I called up my buddy Ray who runs the local repair shop. His exact words? “Man, skip the base model. Those wheel bearings go bad faster than milk in July.” So I wrote down:
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Ray’s Rules:
- Must be Super Duty package – suspension matters
- Look for HD cooling system sticker under hood
- Avoid anything with “City Hauler” badge
Dealership Dance (The Messy Part)
Visited three dealers last weekend. First place tried to push me into last year’s model covered in mud like they’d pulled it from a swamp. Salesman kept saying “great value” while I scraped dirt off the door panel. Nah.
Second dealer had what looked decent until I crawled underneath. Frame had more rust spots than my grandma’s cast iron skillet. Pointed it out and the kid actually said, “That’s just character.” Walked right out.
Finally found one 30 miles out with actual maintenance records. Took her for a test drive fully loaded with gravel bags in the bed – made Ray come too. Heard this faint whine turning uphill? Ray just shook his head. Told the guy to fire up another truck.
The “Aha!” Moment
Almost gave up till I found a used 2022 model sitting behind the parts counter at a tiny family shop. Single owner before me, a landscaper who traded up. Had all the Super Duty upgrades Ray wanted AND extra skid plates.
Kicked all four tires hard (like you do), checked every fluid cap myself, and took her for a brutal spin over railroad tracks. Salesman looked nervous. Perfect. Saw the maintenance logbook tucked in the glovebox – oil changes like clockwork. Talked him down $1500 cause of a small scratch on the tailgate they “didn’t notice.”
What I Learned (the Hard Way)
- Don’t rush: My first impulse was to grab any working truck. Glad I didn’t.
- Touch Everything: Crawl under it. Feel hoses. Check under mats. Dealers hide stuff.
- Load Test Matters: Empty test drive tells you nothing. Demand to put weight in it.
- Records or Bust: No logbook? Walk away. Period.
Two weeks in hauling lumber? Smooth as butter. Still smells like the old owner’s chewing tobacco though. Small price to pay.
