The way you build your rig will depend on what you want to do and without getting out there and trying some stuff with a rig, you may never know. I doubt that I will ever try any real serious rock climbing because I dont want to keep ironing the dimple out of the drivers seat after! Being in LA, there aint much rock, just alot of red mud and nasty river bottoms. I dont really want all the articulation of the rockers but rear locker minimum, height and taller tires are a must. A winch is important where ever you are, if not for you, for your buds!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> The DD thing will be more on how much buckin and beatin you can put up with along the way. Your better half should have the same outlook you do if you want her to ride along. In the older model CJ's, the V8 is a great choice for power and the mileage from the 6 cyl. isnt much different anyway. None of the older jeeps were known for mileage. IMHO, the V8 just offers more performance options. If you are gonna go with the 6 cyl. follow the other fellers advice and find a fuelie, in the long run it will give you better service and mileage. Just get out there with your basic rig, talk with others on thier mods and watch what they can do and decide if the money outlay is worth the desire to build it. Always keep in mind that J-E-E-P means "Just Empty Every Pocket" once you get started, the insanity starts! I know I could have bought one heeluva rig for what I have spent but the satisfaction of building mine from the ground up, the way I want it is considerable and when I put the sticker on that says "Built, Not Bought" it means something. Good Luck with your project, just remember, there aint no cure for our disease!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />