You're welcome! It still doesn't have any rust on it, thanks for the compliment!

I have a theory that Dodge may have started to try to save money and maybe used a cheaper, or no primer at all on the inside of the body panels starting in '98. It's all I can come up with as to why they rust quicker. Only a guess because I don't have a '97 or down right now to look at.

Dashboards, yes, they do crack if you don't have a garage and they are left in the sun. Bit of a strategy is to leave it or cover it up until it's time to do a heater core. I'm not familiar with the 303 protectant, but I throw a bath towel over the dash if it has to spend any extended time in the sun.

Intake gaskets, there seems to be a few but have not had to do one?

I picked up a nice 2wd and what a treat it is to drive compared to these big heavy four wheel drives. Just in the process of getting some 20's for it and use it next summer for a cruiser. Less repairs on the 2wd if that helps your decision.