HELP!! opinions on 2001 ram 1500

Im thinking about buying a 2001 dodge ram 1500 ext cab 2 wheel drive. It's a high mileage vehicle but has been well taken care of. I know my Uncle has a ram of the same year and he has had quite a bit to go bad on his 3 wheel bearings, transmission rebuilt, rear diff. I was wondering before I make the decision to buy it are these good trucks or are they big problem givers? What is the best year of the second generation ram (94-01)?

Personnal i would go with a 96 or 97 ext cab. This 2001 i have nothing but issues out of. Put a new engine in and now on the third transmission.