What are you going o use the truck for? If a lugging hauler the diesel is the better choice. If a light hauler or cruiser the LS is the better. People deride the LS but if it is going to be a USER then go with something that is everywhere, parts are cheap and in every FLAPS, and people that know how to work on them are plentiful. When we raced we used a sbc engines and 9 inch Ford rear ends because parts, help, or knowledge was never more than a few steps away. Practical beats unique every time for a DRIVER.
