Thanks for the input Bill. You basically just outlined my plan. I’m hoping to find a 70s or 80s ¾ or 1 ton with a 5 speed manual, 12 bolt full floating axles and heavy duty leaf packs. The fabrication involved isn’t a problem, although I haven’t done anything this extensive I’ve been working with welders and plasma torches for years and have cut and boxed frames and repaired and upgraded my fair share of spring perches and brackets. The reason I ask about the trans and rear-end is because although I plan to convert to 4x4 it will have to be at a later date. For now I’m hoping to strip and refinish the body and frame and install a 350 just to get her on the road. And although I don’t have a heavy foot I don’t want to have to baby it when I’ve got a full load either.
