I think some snow tires, weight in the bed, and a locker woll make your truvk viable in the snow. Not 4WD, but will get you there.

 

Do you really want my opinion. Lets see I never owned a first gen so I don't know much about them. 2nd gens all 4x4s 95, 3 97s, 98 12v, and a 01 but I'd stick to the 12v Front ends, well if you use a truck you'll have to rebuild any of them. My personal experience on front ends about 150-200k is rebuild time. Brakes no problem just adjust the rear ones to keep them working properly. Tans. put two nuts on the 5th gear shaft and weld them together they won't come off. Why would you have to work on the motor. You should get the 3.55 gears. Find a lower mileage 2nd gen 12v is getting hard especially at a reasonable price. I'd love to sell you mine and get a 12v. You know you want it.