I tell you what I'd like to find is a 73 to 87 Chevy 1 ton 4x4, crew cab, 4 speed, 454. Those are great trucks. I'd probably put an 86 front clip on it if it was pre-86. That was a good looking front end. Heck I'd drop that thing off at a body shop for a frame off make over. White paint, red vinyl interior, black rubber floor, Rhino line the bed, TBI on the engine. They're tough to find though. Usually rusty beyond saving. Or the rock crawler crowd raided the axles and transfercase.
There's a black one in Moscow I've been keeping an eye on for a few years. Hasn't been for sale yet, but maybe someday.
Diesel engines in 1 ton trucks is relatively new. That didn't start until the early 80's, and didn't really take off until the 90's. Before that it was gas engines and low geared rear ends to get the job done. Best 1 ton I ever had was a 65 International with a straight six, 4 speed, and 5.38:1 rear end. I'd still have it if I could get parts for that thing. It was slow, used a lot of gas, but man would it move a load. Only had 120 horsepower or so, but it would tow a mini-ex at 55 eventually. Stopping it with non-power drum brakes was another story...
I guess I'm just used to gas engines, only diesel I've ever had a significant amount of wheel time behind was an old 6.9IDI Ford F-250. Lots of noise, not much action. I wasn't that impressed. The engine was real heavy and subtracted a lot of payload out of the truck. The 460 was a much better choice.
With the new DPF, fuel, and twin turbos I don't see the 6.4 going the distance like the V-10 will. The V-10 is still a relatively simple engine.
My dream truck is still the International RXT. Those things are sweet.