I am not a fanboy of any of the big 3 trucks, they all have strengths and weaknesses. Saying that, I find the GM/Chev trucks to be the most honest. I have heard little to no complaints about the LSX engine or drivetrain ever. The interiors I find to be the most comfortable and quiet, the Ford might have better seats but thats strictly personal. Really, unless you are pounding this thing down a heavily rutted lease road, the front end should be fine. Dodge, never cared for, way too many people having way too many issues with everything from drivetrain to interior and steering. Ford.....oh Ford...if you were asking about HD trucks, Id say go Superduty, but for a 1/2 ton, I find the GM twins a bit better in every way, except for the seats like I said, than the Ford. Crew cab, 6.5' box, Z71 suspension(you want the skidplates the rear locker) with a 5.3 should be a faithful companion for a very long time.