Just a note at the start, there are a couple projects ahead of this one, so it may take a while before things start to move. Even then my pace can usually be described as somewhere between 'Glacial' and 'Analysis Paralysis'.
I could blame this all on Yeller, and that would be really unfair to him. I've on and off looked at these trucks for years. His truck was just what spurred me into action.
Expected use: Haul the RTT on the rougher trips where our CTD/pop-top camper isn't appropriate. Haul the grand-daughter around on camping trips. Take the dog to the beech. Part-time DD. I am not a rock-crawler, more of a desert explorer and desert race support guy.
As purchased configuration:
TBI 350 SBC/TH400/D20
Unkwn ratio, Auburn LSD in the rear
33-10.50R15 BFG A/T's
RS5000 dampers and rear springs, fronts as yet unkwn
Dakota Digital Dash
Complete (?) rewire w/ fuse block under dash
Mostly installed Vintage Air system (no condenser)
General plans (subject to change as it comes in contact with reality):
LS/4L60/NP241C swap
Hydro-Boost
Clone Yeller's front suspension (I've seen how well it works)
GM 63's at the rear
Appropriate axle ratio, TruTrac up front, Trutrac or ARB or OX for the rear - undecided
Same tire size or possibly 31-10.50's, don't need anything bigger for this use. See
"My Distraction" if I need something more capable
Ride height leveled at where the rear is now.
Decent front bucket seats, this bench was recovered, but not rebuilt and it's pretty awful
Calif. Compressor based OBA.
More esthetic bumpers based off of what is there (they're well built except for the auto-clangers))
More traditional instrument cluster (Dakota VHX?)
Long range nice to haves / want to haves:
Exploder RDB's
Full-Float D44
Just loaded up and ~8.5 hours from home:
A few other pics: