Well, we can start with the basics. There are various body styles you can get, 2door regular cab (the cheapest), 3door extended cab (little more expensive), and 4door SuperCrew (most expensive). The cheap/expensive labels I'm putting on the trucks is subjective because the performance and appearance packages will make the value of the truck swing wildly. The other body differences are Styleside (straight bed) or Flareside (curvy rear fenders), and long bed/short bed.
The appearance/performance packages really dictate the prices because that is the meat of the truck. The three coolest trucks are also the most expensive:Lightning SVT (real fast supercharged), Harley-Davidson (very cool dealer package), King Ranch (top of the line appointments). The regular folk packages are XL, XLT, SXT, Lariat. Each one has more than the last with Lariat having the most. My 98 XLT 3 door has: AM/FM/6-disc CD, AC,Auto Transmission, Tachometer, Cloth Seats,Cruise,Factory Bedliner,Chrome bumpers and mirrors, etc. Not a bad package.
Keep in mind the 4X4 is going to cost more than the 2 wheel drive, and an automatic is more expensive than a 5 speed. The 5 speed is weak for towing, but OK for driving around.
There are 3 engines available:4.2 V-6 Good all-around engine for a daily driver, but bad for mods and the '97 and early 98 models had gasket problems. The 4.6 V-8 is an excellent engine, probably the most reliable. The 5.4 V-8, very good engine, but can have expensive problems. Don't get me wrong, they are all good engines, and get about the same mpg. You will pay more for 5.4, than a 4.6, and more for a 4.6 than a 4.2.
Cruise the site for more info, and get back with how much you can spend. If we know your budget we may be able to determine what you can get for your money.
