I would happily own another clean example from this era (still miss my '02 Cummins QC/SB/4x4 that was stolen...)

The Magnum engines are hard to beat, and the issues with the bathtub gasket and IAC motor are easy and inexpensive to fix, and are not problems that will leave you stranded.

For the automatic trans, IMHO I'd set aside some $$$ for an eventual rebuild.

Later years had the option of nicer interiors (leather, woodgrain, heated seats etc.) and some other niceties like 4 wheel disc brakes.

'98 was the transitional year with both club cab/quad cab being offered, both 12V and 24V Cummins, and IIRC the dashboard/gauges were a 1-year part.

If you're going for a Cummins, there's a wealth of information out there on common issues & years. e.g. 53 block, killer dowel pin, fuel pumps on the 24V etc.


But as to the other posters, the size, styling, utility and reliability are hard to beat. Even today.