well, if you do get it...

a big thing to watch out for is the timing chain. the stock guides are made of plastic and the driver's side guide will eventually break. this won't be a disaster if you catch it in time. however, eventually, without the guide in place, the t-chain will wear through the t-chain cover and into a water passage...not good.

if they'll let you pull the valve cover off...or pull it off for you...you can just look down the front of the engine to see if the guides are still there and unbroken. otherwise, start it up...rev it to about 2500RPM and listen for a rattle coming from the front of the engine. that is a tell-tale sign that the t-chain is hitting the t-chain cover.

changing the t-chain is not a big deal...$50 to $100 in parts, depending on whether or not you need a new cover...and 4 to 12 hours in wrenchin' depending on how quick you are.

other than that, they seem pretty rock solid.

i have no issues with power. i have only 30" tires, though. and i have the regular cab which is prolly a bit lighter than the x-tra cab. it's no drag racer, but i can merge onto the highway without problems. i've carried well over 1/2 ton of dirt/gravel/etc. in it at various times up some pretty steep hills without problems, too.

my tranny rattles a bit at certain RPMs, but it shifts fine and seems to be quite strong. no metal flakes in the oil or anything.

it's a great truck...i just think you could prolly get one cheaper.

stan