From an offroaders viewpoint:
It depends on what you are going to use it for.
97.5, 98, and 03 are pretty much the best years, unless you find an earlier truck with the updated HVAC. For offroading, the 99-02 trucks with ABS/TT4 usually do not do as well as the earlier models (hence '03 with electric locker). For offroading use the 94-96 with the 6.5NA diesel is probably best. Remember the KISS rule. The 6.5 non turbo is a mechanical engine, no electronics and is pretty reliable, but slow on the big road. You don't miss the power in most offroad scenarios, however. No ABS, no TT4 traction control (yeah, right). In terrain like we have around here, it's usually the old trucks that end up strapping the newer ones over the obstacles.
Scot Smith
1994 HMC4, Locked
"They're right, Wider IS Better..."
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