In my experience the 228 is a much stouter motor. If ur friend plans to use the truck for any real work, hauling loads, or pulling stock trailers--certainly need to keep the 228. Moreover, if he will be driving the truck thru New England could be a problem with the purists.
Otherwise the 235 would be fine--quieter too. If it were mine, I would keep the 228 if I possibly could--good motor--really surprised the price differential is as much as you say.
