Thanks Spud, I will follow your suggestions.

Ralph

 

Ralph looks like your throwing out the 98.5 to 02 model trucks because of a block thats found in 1 out of 8 trucks that takes you a total of 1 minute to check to see if it has it or not but i will say if you are looken at true dependablity the late 12 valves are it becuase there are some fuel pump issues on the 98.5 till pressent with the lift pumps but like all problems there are fixes that will make it last much longer and give better service

 

Possum 1, thanks for your comments.
It is the combination of the #53 block and the lift pump/injector pump problems. I would prefer the 12 Valve engine, there are not a lot of electronic controls to fail with age, and the last year of the 12 valve was early 98. I like the 4 Doors on the 98, but will go with a good 97. I wonder if the front suspension in the 1997 is the same as the 1998?.
My prime determining factors are, a low down time rate, and low cost of operation. I have no intention of jacking the hp up more than 10-15%. I believe some small changes can be made to the fuel plate on the 12 Valve that will increase mileage, but finding someone in the central valley of Calif. to do the mod. dependably, may be a problem.