The frame mounted roll bar sounds like an excellent idea.

I would gusset up the TTB and front cross member. If you have welding skills and some extra TTB beams you could try and cut and weld them yourself.

D44 TTB Housing | Stock Width Cut and Turn - FSB Forums

Air Bumpstops probably would be a good idea too. Cut the fenders and run as much suspension travel as you can. I also would run the trailer/hd suspension setup with the dual shocks in the front. Brace everything.

Spool the rear or at least a mini-spool.

Also, on the exhaust, I'd run 2.5" collector extensions, not 3" unless you're going massive for HP. 1-1/2" primaries and 2.5" collectors are all you'll need. Too big and you'll sacrifice low end.

I'm not sure what your budget is but you may look into a Mustang type setup for more HP than what the truck EFI is going to get you.

Or DS2 and a carb...

 

All good points. I am a great welder so those are right up my street.
Like the sound of bumpstops. kinda want to keep my teeth.
This is going to be a push it as hard as possible.

Decided to KEEP the 8.8 in the rear. Less work. will install spool for sure & 4.88 or 4.55 gears. leave it in 4 low and let the trans work.
I am planning on using long tube headers with the specs you stated will install bungs and O2 sensors if i go EFI. Looking into MAF swap.
Will buy new heads/cam before used stang parts probably same price.(employee discount) only thing keeping me at that shop
If it gets that far then a carbed 408 strokers getting built.
will get a msd if that domino effect happens. and mabey before it.
I have about 1500 in each truck and hoping to keep it under 5000 in additional cost.

May need to find a c-6 trans for it as i want a ratchet shifter to keep it in gear. only thing is the 4x4 ones are hard to find. it costs 250 to get one swapped over. so ive been keepin an open eye for a 2wd one.
No way in hell will i do it. messed up to many times.

The 351 truck seems to be the popular choice. will need to find a good 4 inch lift with extended radius arms any suggestions?
and c-6 can go in easy cause the trans coming out anyway.
Can the BW-1356 bolt up to a c-6?

 

reading through this thread it looks like your on the right road. i have a few buddy's that run the tough truck down here in conroe, tx. usually the person who wins has a 1/2 ton truck which is low to the ground and light with small wide tires. just to put my 2 cents in i'd suggest going with 33's and a long travel suspension with soft springs.