I own several fords and chevys. I am not a chevy fan but here is my opion.
03 ford-gas probally a 5.4. I have a couple of these for plowing. Pushing snow is no problem, towing the bobcat, it will do it but it doesnt like it. How ever the chevy 6.0 will pull it all day long but the suspension isnt quite the same. put the same load in it as the ford and they seem to sag easier. So in my opinion I would say for the extra suspension get a ford how ever I would recomend the diesel or the v-10. If you are stuck on the v-8 go with a chevey and suffer with the suspension. Chevy also rides a lot nicer.