Ha! Last week my Ford got hit on the Passenger door with a foul Ball... right below the glass. Next day I took it to a local dent removal guy and he got it out perfectly.. $300. My GMC would of 100% been fine. Find yourself a good Dent remover. Lol. Guys complain about the Aluminum but even...
50k on the factory Tie Rod & Drag Link is a lot if you wheel it. I'd still pull the Stabilizer off and see if that helps a little..... Did for me when I installed the Dynatrac BJ's. And if you feel some steering wheel shake after pulling the Stabilizer... for sure the Tie Rod and or Draglink...
Surprisingly its got a little (and I mean a little) better around here. For a while there were f'n camps Everywhere. They seem to be pushing them out of the nicer areas. Still a big problem though.
Really hard to say these days... for every 5 guys that says a truck is great... 5 more say they have nothing but problems. I would stay away from diesel for what you need it for. A 5 year old Ford or Chevy 1/2 ton is probably a solid choice. My 2018 F150 with the 2.7 has been great. Oil...