Inexpensive 1/2 ton truck options

Any gas 2500 series should work for you. The Chevy trucks gained HP and in my opinion a better interior about '95 or '96 if you go that old. I hate that body style but they would fit your budget. The Dodge trucks started with the "new" body style in '94 and kept it up to about 2002. I had a '96 and really liked it, but, not the automatic. Dodge automatics, particularly in these years were terrible. If you get one of these trucks get the 5 speed. Ford trucks of this era tended to have problems with the spark plug threads not being deep enough. The plugs would come out or not seize up, either way is not good.
If I were you I would look for a 2001 or newer GM 2500. These trucks were vastly improved from the earlier models. The 6.0 gas engine is a great engine.