Thats why I ordered my 2000 Chev with a Manual transmission and Manual Parttime Transfer case with the lever on the floor.
It's almost impossible to find this combo in a half ton extra cab in 2000. Now you will not as even with ordering, it's not avail...
I bought it to be a truck that I would keep for a long time. Simple (as a 2000 model year could get) and easy to maintain.
So far, Never had to get anything fixed and it gets around 20-21 mpg driving it around.
I don't drive it alot since we want it to last a long time. 5 1/2 years old and just turned 37,000 miles..
My 2005 Toyota just turned 6 months old and has 16,000!
My 1990 and 1996 Ford trucks were a different story. The 1990 was a 2x4 and had many problems and the 1996 4x4 Ford bought back in 1998 due to many more problems.
And my 1999 Ford Taurus story was written up here in the forums too well..
To answer your orginal question, Yes, I had the hubs in my 1996 fail, the low range switch fail and finally the transfer case needed to be rebuilt. Also alot of alingment(sp)problems on the front axle due to the "swinging" axle. In 1997 Ford went with the IRS front axle like Chev had for years and finally Dodge did with their new trucks. This is 1/2 ton only I'm talking about. Not the 3/4 ton and above which use a solid axle on the fords and Dodges.
I've found what works for me.. Some people like the push buttons (Like my dad) and they work for them. I like manual stuff...
Take care, Bill
[ April 25, 2005, 02:17 AM: Message edited by: Bill in Utah ]