Very similar price:

Both 4x4 quads with 4.7 loaded with power stuff and towing.

03 had 4wheel disc's standard I think. oterwise the only issue is Auto vs stick.

I really hated my f350 manual, but my s15 wasn't so bad. My wife prefers auto. ( good reason to get a stick)

I know it is more maucho to drive a stick, but how about some more feedback.

PS, I would think a stick would be less of a potential transmission problem. How good are Dakota clutches?

 

i would always choose a stick over an auto. also im pretty sure the auto is a 4 speed so your getting another gear too.

 

depends on what the use will be.....

Daily driver with minimal off-roading - go with the auto

driven sometimes (or just a dedicated manual lover) and alot of off-roading - manual for sure.

I actually hear of more issues with a manual tranny then auto's. Also if your into 4wheelin there are alot more suspension options for a 97-02 then 03-04. Hell it seems there are alot more aftermarket parts in general for 97-02. I sold my 04 for a 99 if that means anything.

My 2 cents

 

Lift kit options are better for pre-99. 99-04 all have the rack/pinion steering that screws everything up.

The auto is the 54RFE, which I haven't heard too many problems with. It's got 5 forward gears, but two of them are 2nd gear, just slightly different ratios.

 

I do not know about other years, but in 99, 2WD came with Rack & Pinion steering and 4WD came with the idler arm setup(don't know the "name" for it).

Rancho still has lifts for 00-02's, but not for 03-04's for some reason.