A 38R is about as rock solid reliable as you can get with a drop in charger from anyone - its a tough cookie if you understand its limitations. SOME people have surging issues that vary with elevation and load. That is all that Garrett offers for a drop in charger. Its a great charger for sure - but you asked for a hands down favorite - and that just isn't an easy question to answer. I said what I said because I feel the limiting factor on the 38R is the turbine wheel - it doesn't flow enough which can cause higher backpressure, over speeding, and surging in certain circumstances - the larger wheel in the van turbo slows down the shaft speed, flows better, and is less likely to surge in similar situations all things constant.
Its just not a cut and dry easy to answer question. If you asked - what turbo can I install that is a drop in and that I won't have to worry about 95% of the time with small injectors, some towing, etc... I would say the 38R. There is a bit more risk going with something like I describe as its custom built in the aftermarket and its like any OEM part that is modified - it has a higher risk associated with it. The question is - is that level of risk acceptable to you?
I'm totally of the opinion that a T4 foot charger is a better options - but the various mounting kits all have the potentials for issues as well - and that is not a drop in charger like you asked for.