I've never wanted a small American truck... but then I got a house and then I needed a truck, and then I spent $500 on this

Similar situation to your truck, It had the exhaust manifold bolts broke off in the head, the transmission was mis-shifting, the front end needed a rebuild and it needed a tune up. all that cost me about $600... but even $1100 for a truck is a steal.
Honestly its been a really good truck so far... its been with me almost a year, and I drive it everyday, giving me the opportunity to overhaul my SD.
I would tell ya $500 plus parts plus some labor and you'll be happy with your beater truck also!