I have the same pickup except it's a '98 and it does not have the plow
attachment.

I've had the normal 3K miles service intervals of grease, oil and
filter since day one. I've had no problems up to 150K miles at which
point the water pump went out.  At about 160K miles, the fuel pump
went out. At about 180K miles, I had to rebuil the transmission, the
reverse went, and I also had the front end aligned.  The alignment
required tie rod ends and an idler arm.  I now have over 190k miles
and my only current problem is a small water leak that appears under
dash when we've had heavy rains.

Each vehicle is an animal unto it's self.  Some are good / some are
bad. I think it depends on how it has been treated.

Good luck on your decision.

I bought my 99 in March of 03.  So far I changed the driver's window
regulator, a power steering pump, nad rear brake pads.  I've read horror
stories about intake manifold gaskets, fuel pumps, transfer case actuators
and a bunch of others.  I thought for sure I'd have enough problems to
probably pay for a new truck!  I bought it with 73k miles.  I now have 197k
miles.  This is the best thing I've ever owned!  Knock on wood - I know its
a freak.  Original tires on front.  I had a blow out 2 years ago and bought
a matching pair for the rear.  Threw away one very good tire.  Original
coolant - pink stuff.  Oil changes every 8k and still doesn't use any, maybe
a quart between changes.  Front brakes are original.  Rear brakes were still
good but lost a pad so I had to pitch 3 "like new" ones.  Original fuel
pump!  I really thought it would crap at about 100k so I bought a fuel pump
to keep from walking.  Its still under the back seat in the box!  The only
thing I don't like about this one is that stupid idea of a suicide third
door.  You'll see - - come out of the grocery with a cart load.  Open the
front door to open the back door.  Then the cart won't fit to unload into
the back seat.

I bought one new in 99, still have it. Has only 75K miles on it. List of
issues I have had:

All these were done while under warranty:
-2 Intermediate steering shafts replaced , needs another one
-Throttle Body replaced due to sticking butterfly valve
-both rear springs replaced
-rear main oil seal replaced at 750 miles
-rear transmission seal replaced at 1200 miles
-left side seat bracked replaced (was cracked at weld from factory)

Original tires replaced at 70K miles, still had 5k tread life left, Mobile 1
Synthetic oil used since new. Change 2 times a year.

Since the above warranty work done, with the exception of the steering
shaft, I have had no problems with the truck. 4x4 used occasionally, have
not towed anything.

Hope this helps.