hemi has lots of towing power for 5000#, so does 310 hp 4.7 in dakota. Both
much cheaper to own/operate the ram diesel for occational towing.

My first choice would be an '03 or early '04 Ram, diesel, with 6spd trans.
The reason being is that it's the least complicated of the "all-electronic"
engines, and no emissions equipment to speak of.  The engine is bomb-proof,
the transmission bullet-proof, and the axles HD-enough to not have to worry
about for some time.  I'd take an '03 or '04 over a late '98-'02, because of
the more reliable injection system.  The 24V ISB's a fine engine, but the
injection pump is susceptible to damage if the fuel supply is diminished
(failed lift pump).  Comparatively, there have been very few CP3 injection
pump (used on the '03 and up engines) failures.

I've had my '03 since I first got it, and having done a bunch of routine
maintenance (as well as a bunch of non-routine upgrades), it's been the
easiest truck I've owned to work on.  Very few times have I ever encountered
the "now why in the HELL did they do THAT?!" feeling when working on
something.

While pulling an enclosed 8'x18' trailer, loaded with about 9K inside it, I
was getting about 14MPG on flat land.  Empty, driving around, I'm typically
around 18-19MPG, but that's because I drive it like it's a sports car.  If I
were more mindful, I could easily get 21MPG from it.  A performance box
helps - keep the power level turned down, but the timing a little advanced,
and it improves fuel economy over stock.  Yes, really.

As for working on the engine itself, well... there's not really that much to
it.  Oil changes are the same - filter's a little tough to get to from
underneath, but removing the air box (good time to clean it out anyway, and
it's only a couple of nuts holding it in place) gives you easy access while
leaning over the right fender.  Fuel filter changes are equally as easy -
canister with a screw-on lid on the driver's side - might need a stepstool
to reach it, but you just spin the lid off with a socket wrench, pull the
filter out, wipe out the bowl, install a new one, and you're done.  The
injection system is self-priming, so no concern about purging the air out
first.  The serp. belt is no different than any other engine...  water pump
is two bolts to swap out (literally takes about 10 minutes to change one).
Most sensors are each to reach, and so far I've been able to diagnose any
problem via the built-in OBD-II code display on the dash (most of my
problems have been self-induced).

Valves should be adjusted after 100K, and every 100K after that.  This is
also a simple job - just remove the valve cover, and adjust the rocker-arm
clearances with a feeler gauge.  Nothing fancy to worry about there.  No
timing chain to worry about - no distributor or DIS to worry about...
overall, I think maintaining a diesel engine is easier than a gasoline
equivalent.

One thing i've found owning a diesel (02 Ram CTD), any money you think your
saving now , they usually get you when it comes time to repair it! Don't
really know if it's worth owning one unless your heavy into hauling