hello there gl57.you'll have a great truck no matter which you choose, but my vote is for the 283. looks,good torque, but not too edgy, easy still to find service parts for. i agree the 350 might be a low h.p. version. just a note, i think the 350 has the provisions for the stock front mounts that your truck already has, that is the four holes to fasten the front mounts. but watch out for the vibration dampener at the front of the 350 engine. it is a larger diameter than the 283 and will hit the mount brackets unless you cut a notch in them. good luck.
