---

The OP has a budget of under $10K. With that budget some recommendations from the group seem difficult.

Buying another truck is expensive. Add diesel to the mix and the cost zooms upward another big notch. An older Cummins diesel would be an ideal solution IF, big IF, he could find one in excellent condition. Remember, people buy Cummins diesels to work them hard so a lot of them are becoming tired. Has anyone priced a minor diesel overhaul lately? Just the cost of a set of rebuilt injectors or turbo is mind bending. Personally I would not buy an older diesel pickup without taking it to a trusted diesel shop for a complete inspection including bore scope and an oil analysis.

It also takes a long, long time for the better fuel economy of a diesel engine to pay for the added purchase and maintenance costs.