Besides mechanicals, here's what I've noticed with the brands as far as suspension is concerned:
Ford Superduty: Anything over 100K miles (especially lifted) get ready for ball joints, tie rods, and a new pitman arm nut.
Dodge: About the same as the Fords. Skip the newer Dodges as in 09+, for the front ends on those things are absolute junk.
Chevy/GMC: over 100K, ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, idler arm bracket and pitman arm.
Since I lift these trucks on an almost daily basis, I think it boils down to the power plant you want. Anything Pre-05' shouldn't have any emissions crap to mess with, but as it was said, you can basically do as you please since Ohio doesn't really have any emissions testing.
If it were me, I'd lean towards the Cummmins truck.