Bought a 98 5.2 4WD new, no issues to speak of, tranny at 216k and our daughter totaled it at 220k, she played a double header the next day. I also have a 2 Dakotas with the same running gear, a 99 that the tranny went out at 285k and a 97 that I bought at 135k had some trans solinode work before I bought it but it has also been trouble free. I am in about the same climate as you and have had no issues with rust or brake lines. Still drive my 97 to PA several times a year, taking it up in July, it has 250k on it. Good riding great driving vehicles but 14 mpg regardless of how you drive, I think the 5.9 is only good for about 12-13 I hear.