PEH has it nailed. Drop 5K on an 83 to 85 SD (shoot for under 150K miles) and then consult this forum for guidance on upgrades/repairs. I paid $1100 for my 79 SD and have learned more than I could anticipated. I have an excellent car that has more charm and soul and miles left in her than anything I have ever owned. Tonite I changed the fluid in the differential and six months ago would have told you that "differential" was a banking term.

This forum is a great place and I wonder sometimes what the cummulative value of dollars saved and earned might be as a result of our activities here.