[Drivesthebeast]

Well, my dad agrees that I should source some speed parts, or beefier internal parts, and get the engine built up properly so it's closer to 300hp and that much or more in torque at least.

A lot of the body parts for the truck that need to be swapped are actually pretty cheap...like the hood, the fenders, the fleetsides for the box, etc. The only pricey parts are fixing or swapping the cab, and having everything prepped and painted over again.

If I had the body worked on, and a fresh engine and transmission, then I'd have a solid, reliable truck. Even if I spent say, 10-15K on it on that stuff, it'd still be a fraction of the price of a new truck. It'd also have the cool oldschool custom thing happening to it, and a proper 8 FOOT BOX! lol!

I've already sourced some things like a complete Belltech Suspension kit for less than $1000usd which would drop it 2" front, and 3-4" rear (have to re-arc the leaf springs to have the truck ride flat again).

I dunno...all of that stuff might sound like a pipe dream...and a used beater would be cheaper. I just don't want to scrap or junk the truck alltogether, as I mentioned what value it holds for me and the family. That, and you need a truck up here in the north.

Thanks for the ideas/thoughts so far...preciate em...keep em comin'

Drives