One of the great AM transmitters that is readily available today without requiring you hock your soul was the Johnson Ranger I or II. Not cheap today, but they were excellent rigs. They came in both kit and wired form, and it would be nice before buying if you knew which you were looking at, as some kits were not well made. Other transmitters that were popular were the Heath Apache and the DX100B, although the DX100 is a large and heavy machine, and early models were noted for VFO troubles. The Johnson Viking II (with external VFO) is a good rig. I owned all of these at one time or another and found excellent qualities in all. My favorite was probably the Ranger, which, though lower in power, at 65 watts plate power input on AM Phone, was relatively kind to desktop space, could be moved without a truck, and had excellent audio. The disadvantage of the Viking II was it required an external VFO, but they can usually be found. Of course there are the Collins rigs, like the 32V series, but you are back to hocking a couple of souls just to get a look at one. Globe (WRL) had a couple of good models, but they are all relined with platinum and gold now, if you judge by the price. The Globe 400 could actually sit on a desk top and ran decent AM power. One of the most popular AM rigs in use today, and because of that, it suffers from high price, is the Johnson Valiant. Beautiful rig, very heavy, and wonderful audio. Valliant I was a CW/AM rig, and Valiant II included, I believe, a way to incorporate the phasing SSB exciter.
There were many 'controlled carrier' types, such as the Heath DX35, DX40, the Globe Scout, and others, but their AM capabilities are more like what you experience with your FT101ZD. For enjoyable AM, you need high level (plate) modulation. Otherwise you may as well keep what you are using currently.
Receivers are easier. Almost any of the vintage receivers from National, Hallicrafters, Collins,Heath, and a dozen lesser brands, will do well on AM.
Were I looking, with limited budget, I'd be seeking a Johnson Ranger I, (or II if I could afford it) and a National NC-series (183,109,270, etc) or Hallicrafters SX series. These receivers can be had for quite reasonable prices on the ham radio lists. Ideally, I'd repeat my old station of Ranger I and Hammarlund HQ170. Maybe someday I will.
Good luck. Hope you find it.
73
Ed, W5HTW