Hi all--longtime lurker here, and I wanted to drop in and ask for some advice and opinions.
I'm considering a long-term, less-than-cheap project--that is, building a Defender 130 crewcab from scratch, but with all-domestic drivetrain for availability of parts, specifically a 4BT Cummins and Dana 44s front and rear. Trans and transfer case are still undecided, but I'd like a 5 speed manual with overdrive if possible. Here is the page that I'm getting my inspiration from-
http://www.tawayama.com/gear/crewcab/crewcabpage2.html
Currently I have a '76 Scout II with 258ci I6 and 3 speed that I plan to pull the axles from and start cleaning them up.
What I'm looking for just doesn't really exist outside of building it--I'm looking for a medium-wheelbase, 4 door with small pickup bed, mechanical diesel, no computers anywhere, and solid axles with coil spring suspension. I've considered a CUCV Blazer or a similar suburban, but I really would like a small-ish truck bed. The draw of the Defender is that the body panels appear to be modular--roof, floor, bulkhead, etc. just bolt to each other and to the frame. I like that idea versus having an entire body tub to deal with.
Thoughts? Opinions? Is this a feasible plan? Where do I start?
I'm considering a long-term, less-than-cheap project--that is, building a Defender 130 crewcab from scratch, but with all-domestic drivetrain for availability of parts, specifically a 4BT Cummins and Dana 44s front and rear. Trans and transfer case are still undecided, but I'd like a 5 speed manual with overdrive if possible. Here is the page that I'm getting my inspiration from-
http://www.tawayama.com/gear/crewcab/crewcabpage2.html
Currently I have a '76 Scout II with 258ci I6 and 3 speed that I plan to pull the axles from and start cleaning them up.
What I'm looking for just doesn't really exist outside of building it--I'm looking for a medium-wheelbase, 4 door with small pickup bed, mechanical diesel, no computers anywhere, and solid axles with coil spring suspension. I've considered a CUCV Blazer or a similar suburban, but I really would like a small-ish truck bed. The draw of the Defender is that the body panels appear to be modular--roof, floor, bulkhead, etc. just bolt to each other and to the frame. I like that idea versus having an entire body tub to deal with.
Thoughts? Opinions? Is this a feasible plan? Where do I start?