How long are you thinking about keeping it?

I'm not a huge Dodge/Ram fan myself but I do think right now they are building the most reliable powertrains, partly because they outsourced the transmission to ZF. As far as overall truck reliability, time will tell. I like the Ram 10yr/100k powertrain warranty on the 2026 if you buy new (why isn't anyone else doing that?). And if you really wanted to cover electronics and things, you could extend your bumper to bumper with Granger or another extended warranty for not too much money.

With GM, it's hit or miss. Some of the new Duramax seem fine, some aren't. As you said the pre-2025s didn't seem to have the thrust bearing issue nearly as much. They get great mileage but diesel costs quite a bit more, and you have emissions/def to worry about. Fuel price and outlook on it might sway me here. I'm not a huge fan of GM/Ford 10 speeds vs. the ZF in the ram but, many do have OK luck with them, though even the good ones tend to have valve body issues over 100k. I think the GM could be an option still, but I would probably consider the NextGen valve body kit at minimum.

I have a buddy with a 2023 AT4 3.0 Duramax, I really like the way it drives, the torque and interior on the AT4, but when I was looking at new they had just released the thrust bearing TSB and I didn't want any part of it.

When I test drove the Ford, I actually ended up liking the F150 a lot as well...they tend to have a lot of recalls/issues too, but their powertrains aren't throwing main bearings, so that's a plus.

Have you driven all of the different models/trims you are interested in yet? They vary widely with interior options/seat quality etc. I would do that also before making any decisions, sometimes that helps push you in the right direction.