the 01 is the last year of the 2nd gen and the last year with the solid front axle and the 318/360 engines. i like mine.

02 and up have independent front suspension. not as strong off road, but ride better. i think they get a tad better mpg.

 

If you'd get rid of the dead body of the guy you bought the truck from that you forgot about under there, it'd stop clunking around and making that noise.

Oh, whoops, sorry, I forgot I wasn't supposed to tell anyone.