OK, now I am getting some answers. Regarding the frame I could box the frame but, is that going to be enough. I still haven't ruled out building a Grain Bed and towing a trailer. The cars I plan to carry are 3-4000 lbs. My biggest car would be a 55 Nomad or Mercedes SEC.
If I use 3/4 or 1 ton front suspension that cross member should stiffen up the front, with boxing the frame would that be enough. I plan on only using factory parts for the simple reason that repair and replacement parts have to be available.
I went junkyarding today and it looks like a van steering box would work best for rear steer, anybody use this? The major parts are all coming from late trucks and I will only use undamaged factory parts. I can pick and choose what I want, try it out and swap it if it won't work. My truck will not work with front steering because the front of the fenders would be behind the steering gear. This is the biggest issue with using a late frame and believe I have though about this a whole bunch. I agree that going to a late chassis would be the fastest route and perhaps the best way to get what I want. That said if anyone has a good solution to this problem I am all ears.
I really do appreciate all the comments and keep em coming. I will scan some pictures if anyone would like to see the old girl as she looks now.
