Buying advice 99 powerstroke

I think I need a diesel to pull my 8Klb closed race trailer. I am looking at a very early production (1/98) date 99 model Powerstroke, XLT supercab. The tranny was replaced at 35000 miles and now has 75000 miles. Dealer checked it out and it seems OK. Seems to have had a 5th wheel setup in the bed at some point. The big question is: Is there any BIG reason to avoid the early 99s over a 99.5 and newer model? Thanks in advance.

No reason at all. Any of the late model 7.3L PS enignes are good. I know there are changes in the trans from year to year, but I am unsure of what they are. I can tell you that we see far less transmission troubles on the '98 and later units we have than on the earlier ones.