that's the true height of conversion van aesthetic there! boy does that bring back memories.
the do-all is the plan for sure. base intention is run around town, Brolite on the bed, plow in the winter. be extra nice if it could dump dirt, but shoveling a couple yards out of the Ram isn't bad at all.
the length of those 3+3 Chevies is what I keep thinking about. not much to be found in 185" wheelbase that isn't that old.
if I open myself up to extending a frame it totally changes what I'm shopping around. many more options in shorter trucks. many options in 4x2 trucks if I think about using a divorced 205 as part of the rear driveline.
I've got axles on the shelf, could put the pair from under the Mule under the existing frame with the flathead for a minute and think about engines.
Could just plan to fabricate a frame, or use a straight truck frame. Could get factory frame length from an Arie box van and use a 205 and solid front axle.
Too many options. not enough cheap trucks in the configurations I'm actually looking for. the LONG 4x4 exist, but are well over donor budget.