I think the crew cabs are a little more likely to get "tweaked" a bit in a wreck, or just from driving around on bad roads, because the cab is so much bigger than a regular cab. Basically, a big box twists easier than a small box. We used to have a '90s G20 van for a previous job and it was terrible about that!
My '97 is low mileage (just under 130K) but after the original owner died, his family didn't drive it much. It has minor front end damage and the right rear door sags a little bit (you have to slam it, the other 3, not so much). I saw recently that the hinge pin isn't where it's supposed to be on the right rear, so I'm figuring that is the issue there.
The engine and transmission being recently redone is definitely a good thing. I'm presuming since this is a 2500 that it has the 4L80E which is a pretty solid and sturdy transmission. The 350 will be a bit easier on gas than a big block; mine was getting almost 14 mpg in town, running 89 octane, until the blower motor went out and we had to drive it with the windows down. On the road it got 14 with 87 octane, so I'm hoping to gain some there on my next trip.
One upgrade I would definitely recommend (unless it's already been done) is the United Motor Products blue vented distributor cap and rotor. They have brass contacts and are made of better plastic than the cheaper ones. I have these on both my Vortecs and they do run better with them. Plus you don't have to worry how well it's gonna run and idle in high humidity and rain! The set is around $30-35 on Rock Auto IIRC.
