If buying the cheaper stuff I would go with the oxy torch. There is some cheaper descent plasma cutters out there but more bad ones than go ones. Do some research. You will need a oxy torch for heating up things for sure...you might be able to pick one of those up used also for even cheaper than...
My next project is going to have a removable grill/headlight guard. Around my area deer aren't normally hit by cars until the "rut". They start to wonder around this time of year and cross roads more frequently but most of the year they seem to stay off the roads. So most of the year it won't be...
Killer fab work. I will be building either a early bronco or a scout next year. Gonna be keeping your build in mind when doing mine. Keep on sharing it as I'm sure most people like to see your next moves.