Hey, I agree with you about the more ease of access and the actual backseat. I've got two little ones and I'm not too keen on putting car seats in those jump seats

I'd say if you've got the ambition go for it. Take lots of pics of the progress if you do and post them. Seems like it would be an interesting and different build

 

It would be easier to put your drivetrain in the 2nd gen

 

Agreed. This argument of dodges and chevys etc is going nowhere. Just like powerstrokers think their engine is superior ETC ETC. I kept my first gen instead of my 98.5 24v cause it looked tough as nails and I can work on it without scan tools and software updates. When a truck was a truck still. Not when a weekend warrior wanted something comfy he could drive to work but still pull his camper three times a year. Unless a CUMMINS ends up in a chevy, a straight axle up front with an allison to boot, you'll see me buyin dodges.

 

If the general consensus is to simply move to a 2nd gen truck then I would prefer anything pre 98.5 so I can stay with the 12 valve. Then my question would be who wants to buy my truck. I know I would be sacrificing mileage as mine doesn't quit have 150,000 on it yet and I have in my searches only found 2 2nd gen trucks as of late with less than that. I would consider around 200,000 if the truck is still solid, i.e. runs and drives good as well as body in fair shape and the rest of the drivetrain in solid shape. Mine is a very dependable truck just lacks that family friendlyness. New thoughts? I should mention proceeds of selling mine would be about all I have to put towards another truck this is why I am in this pickle.