Can you guys give me the LOW DOWN between the GM/Chevy PU & Dodge

GM 1973? -> 1987?
Versus
Dodge 1972? -> 1991?

I want a truck to buy to help me move a few trips. I really prefer Manual transmission.

I am looking at a 1990 D150 extended cab with a 318 and a A833 OD with rust around the wheel wells with 58,719 miles and a few Chevy single cab 350 pickups with the TH350 turbo 350 trans. Rusty loves the D150 option, I am not sure if it is enough truck. there are a very few low mileage chevy's but most of these chevy trucks go for $5000 to $6000. A few are above $2000.

There are some Star Destroyer Crew Cabs that are appealing (Either make) but I cannot find any manual transmission Crew Cabs. The Navy is paying me to move back home (1100 miles, will take a few trips). I am going to buy a car dolly for the project cars. 99% of the drive is I-10 near the coast, few hills and a terrific steep bridge in Louisiana around I-12 bypass if I remember correctly.

What are the drawbacks vs benefits? What is the most reliable? Cheap vs dependable etc.

I disagree with abodyjoe's assessment that we can walk into a part store if something goes wrong (with the truck on a move) - recently my experience is that the parts stores have to order what you/we/me/I need if it the part isn't common. Alternators and starters are, but ignition relay switches are not as an example.