Opinions on '80s to '90s trucks

Hi all. Looking to upgrade to a bigger truck. Currently have an '85 Ford LN8000 single axle. Couple guys around that want me to haul grain for them. I'd also be looking for a stepdeck with beaver tail ramps for hauling hay or lighter equipment.
So, like many others, I'm looking for an older model, the more mechanical the better. I want to be able to work on it myself, without having to deal with DEF, emissions, and the 100 mile long rats nest of wires that go along with that!
Big Cam 3 Cummins I've heard is one of the best engines. 3.90 rears sound like a good all around field and road ratio? And I absolutely want a diff lock! 24.5 tires I've read roll better in the field? 13 or 18 speed? 18 would give me one lower gear at least.
I've been looking at Ford LTL9000s (really like the look of them), curious if the cabs on those have any more leg room than an 8000, International 9370s, (we have a '94 9200 at work and the cab is pretty nice, quiet and a little more leg room compared to my 8000), and Western Star 4964s.
Would be local mostly, so a day cab would be nice to keep a shorter wheel base and better visibility. But I've been told a sleeper is nice to have in case I have a multiple day trip (like bringing equipment back from a couple states away), don't want anything bigger than a 24 or 36in then in that case.

P.S. And as much as I've read about Volvos being really nice trucks, I don't want anything foreign. Lol.

Whew, sorry for writing a book.
Any opinions, experience, and advice though is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

Good to know, thanks!

 

Well, I'm 6'1", so it won't be much better for me, lol. I do love the look of a 379 Pete! W900s are cool too, I was looking at those for a while, but the more I read on those, I hear they have a turning radius a little tighter than a battleship!

 

What do I need to look for? Or change? If I can get a KW to turn as tight as anything else, that'd put them to the top of the list again. Definitely give me more options to pick from.