Want to know what keeps me awake at night? Devising new projects to work on. For example I have a Cummins diesel engine I've been sitting on for a few years now trying to decide what to put it in. It's in a Dodge Airplane tug currently.
Originally it was going to go into my Chevy CUCV army truck project, but the 6.2 is running just fine in that and though it's not a power house, I can't justify taking apart a good running truck. Thus I'm torn between a Wagoneer and an FJ-80 Land cruiser to put the Cummins in. It's an early 12 valve Cummins with a 727 auto behind it. I also have the GM adapter plate and could go with a different transmission, axles etc. I'm looking for a vehicle that can support the weight of the Cummins, isn't as big as a Suburban, and would make a good expedition/tow vehicle. It must be something I could put down moderate trails, and can easily sleep two people and a small dog. Any suggestions? The Cummins needs three wires to run so I'm looking for a similar simple style vehicle that is rugged and able to rattle over miles of dirt roads exploring.
I'd consider an old Landrover if I could find one without paying an arm and a leg.
Or I could build the Dodge itself, stretch the frame, make it 4wd, build a bed and camper style deal similar to Soni Honegger's old War Wagon Ram Charger, but that's kind of already been done.
The goals are:
strong frame to build off of
good hvac for driver/ passenger comfort
solid axles
room for 4 seating, and 2 sleeping
well built body-don't want doors to fall off after crossing the desert
I know stock is better for an expedition rig, but this will serve most of it's duty as a US explorer, not the Gobi desert, Amazon etc so I'm always close to a Napa if need be. Maybe a trip to Alaska eventually.