97-98 1/2 ton for plowing?

[ZORA74]

I am looking at retiring the old trusty Chevy plow truck. I want to replace it with a 97-98 1/2 ton extended cab Chevy or GMC to serve as a daily driver, occasional family hauler, and a plow truck.

 

How well do they perform plowing?

 

Anything I should take care of before adding the plow such as heavy duty torsion bars, timbrens,transmission cooler, etc?

 

Anything I should pay close attention to in searching/inspecting this style/year?

My preference is the 5.7l auto with trailer package without pushbutton 4wd. I am leaning against 4wd pushbutton because I've heard they are prone to failure. Any truth to this?