Personally, I've had two. A '79 with a transplanted in 400/727 and the full time set up. It was a helluva truck. Typical dash electrical issues, but once they got sorted out it was reliable until the rust started setting in on the frame.
But I like my '89 better. 318/4speed truck. (And it's the truck 4 speed - granny low, direct final drive). The only options on the truck are A/C and 31x10.5's. The only week link in the system on the '89 was once it hit 150,000 I started having issues with axles bearings, even going so far as to have to replace axles. That being said, at 177,000 it's still on the factory clutch, factory alternator, and a host of other things. I parked it when the oil started becoming self changing. I'd pour it in the valve cover and watch it pour out the the rest of the engine. Figured if I'm gonna pull an engine I'd just build a 360 for it. The 318 is a bit under powered for that heavy of a truck.
I've owned a lot of Mopars in my life, but it has been, by far, the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I live in upstate NY. It's been to TN several times, Maine several times, Minnesota once, all over upstate and downstate. Never once did I ever get the feeling that it would let me down on any of these trips. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be afraid to throw a case of oil in the rear, throw some tires on it, and take off with it right now, anywhere I wanted to go. I've worked the hell out of it for years and it's just kept coming back for more.
The only thing I've never like about 'em is the pot coupler that Mopar uses on the steering link. It's at a pretty severe angle for a 4x. On the '79 we eliminated that by modifying a link from a Pinto rack and then moved that over to the '89.
The '79 have a bolt in rear seat. When removed it allowed for a bit more cargo room than the '89's fold up seat, but there's the convenience of the being able to fold up the seat of having to actually unbolt and remove it. Both also had the typical leaking seals on the steering box.
What I like about both is the angle at which you sit. One of the reasons I feel confident in making such long trips. It's like sitting at the kitchen table, back straight up, knees at a good angle for the pedals (and if you have bad knees, like I do, that helps), and makes for a comfortable ride mile after mile after mile. No butt cramps, no lower back pain. The captain's chairs help, having the arm rest to help hold position and give you a place to rest your arm.
I paid $3600 for the '89 back in '98, so take that for what it's worth. Over the years I've had offers (when it was less mileage and less rust) for what I paid for it. Paid $800 for the '79 and promptly had to put an engine in it.
