[MikeandCheryl]

Thanks, HO455. A great article and an excellent post on modern improvements. While this truck will return to 'active' status, there will be limitations to it's real world duties. I like the idea of introducing at least some modern technology into the engine and will speak with my engine guy about what's possible. The engine has an HEI (I think the entire drive train came from a 78 model - al least the 4speed stuff), but i do not know yet what improvements there can be made. All interesting reads, so one has a few choices to make down the road. Original vs. stock. Improved vs archaic. Budget vs deep pockets. The 4 speed is the elephant in the room. Perhaps an entire new 4x4 drive train from a more modern vehicle is 'the way'. Still looking, reading, studying. Thanks all.