if your not able to rebuilt either truck yourself i would say its not worth it ive been through the same with biting of more than i can chew

 

just get an old 88-98 chevy 1/2 ton with a small block chevy in it if you want a truck. plenty of parts and cheap to fix

 

Not sure if your comment was directed at me too, being that I'm one of the Dodge guys who posted on this thread. I made no mention of what brand he should buy. After reading his admission that his mechanical skills are somewhat lacking, I was only trying to help keep him from biting off more than he could handle, and ending up with something that would nickel and dime him to death paying someone else to work on it.
There are plenty of trucks out there that would be much better for him to build on regardless of whose badge is on the fenders.

 

I was in your spot just a few months ago and imho woody35 has the right idea,getting a chevy w/ like a 6.2 diesel,6.5 diesel or evan a chevy 350 is a good viable option.just my 2 cents.good luck w/ your search.