DodgeForum.com - Introduction - New to Dodge and Merican Trucks

Hi All,
I am new to DF, Trucks, Dodge RAM trucks and moving back to DIY mechanics
Recently My company has gone bankrupt and i have had to get rid of all my assets. I am allowed 1 vehicle or $5K Canadian so I spent 5 weeks researching all vehicles that i could get to tow a trailer and be a daily run about.
No knowing trucks it screwed me up trying to decide. Initially Ford was my choice until i found about the 5.4 troubles, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra are my preferred but cost to much. Then I found Dodge Ram, I have learned the 5.7 Hemi is rock solid and really its up to me to screw it up.
I need a truck which will last 5 years with maintenance under $5k cnd and it works out that a 2006-2008 RAM 1500 5.7L sits right in there so I research youtube, google, sites and other major outlets of information and decided i am happy to proceed. As a Canadian who joined the British military I was used to Land Rover Defenders and I have just had my LR4 repo'ed. So I purchased today a 2006 RAM 1500 5.7L Laramie with 247,000km on the clock and a un-trusted service history but no codes

My goal is the following.
1. Replace all fluids
2. Remove the rust on the doors, No rust on the box (Lucky)
3. replace the front end - Need advice on A1 Auto parts quality
4. Replace the back axle for a more trailer friendly axle ratio
5. Get into a routine with doing my own services before its needed.
6. Replace all parts that should have been replaced at 200k

I will be looking onto here for advice and help.

Thanks all