Dash Truck Dash's crackin'

I really like my 97 F150...but the 2009 and up Reg Cab Hemi trucks are pretty cool looking and I like the almost 400HP. I thought the Dash issue was for the 97 - 2001 era trucks. My buddy has one and it's about to fall to pieces and Dodge won't of course replace the dash due to a MFG defect.
Now I learn that upto a 2007 can also have the cracking issue. Are the 07 and 09 and up dashes that much different??

My buddy has an 06 Chebby Avalanche that has also started cracking so it's not just a Dodge issue...but I'm considering a Chebby.

My Ferd has set out in the Texas heat since day one and doesn't have a crack in the Dash...maybe some faded paint..but no cracks.

Thanks.