Fred B, I like your plan! What is the story with the power R&P? Didn't know that was an option with a straight axle. Have you driven it yet? How well does it work? I hate the idea of cutting up my pickup too. Power steering was the main motivation for the IFS, along with a little softer ride. Disc brakes would be easy to do with the straight axle. Would love if my original wheels fit over the disc brakes.
The vintage trailer is a retirement dream at this point. Would look pretty cool though and be practical too!
May postpone the decision for a while on the motor swap. I was at a swap meet today looking for parts for the '56 and ended up buying an old Rx7 with a 350 and 700r4 swapped in. Looks decent, runs great, reasonably quick and was just too cheap to pass up. Best of all, it satisfies my desire for v8 power while figuring out the right long term plan for the pickup. Might try a little auto crossing again too!
