I want a 3.5L SOHC engine mated to my stock five speed in my 3200 pound truck! I think that would be a great combo with plenty of balls.

DougB, I'm with you on the sleeping quarters. Having built a very substantial bunk/storage in my old Suburban (lotsa room) I miss the multi-role functionality of a 4wd Holiday Inn. Take a look around in the junkyard for older VW Westfalia stuff, the early buses had a canvas? cot supported by some sort of metal rod. I believe they fold out of the way when not in use. How many feet is it from the dash to the rear door on a Raider?
Another solution, albeit costly, is a rooftop tent...

http://www.loftyshelters.com/Gallery%20Folder/Gallery%20Images/Mitsubishi/Pa150011.jpg

Lofty Shelters imports these from Autohome in Italy. Probably too much weight on the roof for serious wheeling though.

Here's what's PLANNED for my mitsu bobtailed flatbed (after I finished my FJ40 project):
1.)Cadillac 4.5lit aluminum roller cam block with 4.1lit slugs and liners(free and less strain on the drivtrain), ported 4.5l heads, dual plane TBI manifold, custom headers.
2.)S-10 Blazer 5-speed and NP transfer case, correct driver's side front driveshaft or S-10 blazer auto + NP transfer case.
3.)Stock axles already have 4.625 gears with 32" skinnys, so i'll spring for the rear ARB.
4.)Replace the dented and rusty cab with a fresh junkyard one that is Durabak'd.

The other option was to put in a Mopar 318/727/203 with Toyota LC axles and SAS under the truck but I decided to just put it all under a Fj40 trail beater instead.

On top of almost any of the mods (engine, etc) that you guys have already mentioned.....

How about a completely "Diamond Plated" Interior like that "Tomb Raider Edition," LR Defender. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

That would be a thing of beauty.

Also, a Galvanized frame.

weight!!!

I would want to strip the interior to the bare minimum, I think replacing the plastic with metal, even aluminum would be alot heavier.

In no order what so ever. Basically what jumps to mind.
Start off with a Powerful Turbo V6 engine swap. New gears, Lockers front and rear. Winch. Suspension lift with b-lift to fit 35's and provide that superior flex. Interior roll cage.
Sub with larger speakers. 20 cd changer. Better seats. Take out all the cloth and replace it with some waterproof material that is still comfortable. Snorkle.
SAS!!!!!
Rockers and low profile bumpers. Manual hubs. rhino line everything thats not cloth, and underneath the body.
Lights galor. Fog lights, driving, off road, spot lights, interior lights, LED's for the dash.
I think thats enough for now.

Well, as long as imagination is ok, how 'bout a PTO on the transfer case/90 degree up angle to a vertical shaft entering the floor pan of the cab through a stuffing box, exiting the roof through another stuffing box with a flange on top of the shaft to which I could attach a set of helo blades...... voila!.... no need for big tires, sliders, lockers, winches or any of that stuff..... just fly over the problem!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I guess that wouldn't qualify as hard-core enough, tho'.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Oh come on, Doug!! That was SO damn cool! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you want to get rid of some weight, don't take me on any trail rides! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I am just going to continue to take parts off of your seatbelt to cut wieght instead. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bird.gif" alt="" />

Take a 2.6 GenI SWB and put a 4D56 intercooled turbo diesel engine in. (will mate perfectly with 2.6 tranny bellhousing) Fabricate or locate an adaptable wiring harness to get it running.

Install a bio-diesel auxiliary fuel delivery system to run it off of vegetable oil. The way this works is you start the truck on dino-diesel, a coil heats the vegetable oil to a temperature/consistency that is combustible. Once it reaches temp, you switch over to vegetable oil.

Add an on-board filtration system so you can fill up at your local greasy spoon!

Powell

P.S. - this is not a joke. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />