My 02 has had 3 PCMs, so I've been told. It currently has strange issues pointing toward another one. There is a guy in the southeast that will rebuild them, he advertises on Ebay.
A 1500 with a 5.9L? Sure thought that was 2500-up.
Intake manifold lower plates leak, causing misfire.
360 magnum heads are known for cracks. Most are not life-threatening.
As said, the same aluminum components as other small blocks.
The trucks with that rear axle have had complaints of them dying. Haven't heard about the vans, but with it towing, I'd research that.
The gauges are all cluster module controlled, using communications from the PCM.