No an expert but from what I understand, with wiring, the difference in engine harnesses comes down to v-belt vs serpentine and 4spd vs 3spd. As with anything else, as time goes on and they change design, the parts and connectors change too. An early glow plug harness for example is $50 and many buy it thinking it fits their truck only to be disappointed when they try to install it. There is NO replacement for looking it up in the TM's and getting the right stuff. In general the trucks all use the same basic design and nearly everything can be retrofitted or adapted to fit by replacing the necessary components.
I think the answer to your question varies with every specific part and every specific truck and engine, transmission etc.