This truck has surprised the hell outta me.  Ive been a Chevrolet guy as long as I can remember...but this truck is one of the MOST reliable, toughest rigs I've owned.  It can haul twice as a 1/2 ton Chevrolet and not complain at all.  The 300 inline six is bulletproof.  I am reaching just over 20 miles a gallon with this full size 4x4 with almost 260 000 kms on it.  The 5 speed M5ODR2 isn't as much of a transmission as this truck could handle, but it gets the job done.  Manual hubs, manual shift transfer case and 3.08:1 gears with rear posi (factory) in an 8.8 carrier works when it is pushed, but is silent when not in use.  The TTb front suspension is a pain in the rear end to have aligned, but gives both the benefits of a solid axle with the ride of independant suspension.  The suspension carries the 2000 pounds plus of salt I carry to salt mall sidewalks with easy....drooping a mere 2 or 3 inches under the heavy load.  Overall I love how this truck performs.  With 145 horsepower is not lightning fast, it's 270 ft-lbs of torque makes sure there is as little downshifting with a load on as possible.