Hey this is my first post on this site ( i think ).
I just wanted some opinions on a project truck i am gonna try to start this coming winter, but i have to finish my current project first.

Current Project : 1994 ranger splash 4x4 , 302 300HP / C6 shift kit / Np 205, stock axles, 6" skyjacker / 33" swampers ,frame off resto, it's just a daily driver with a little grunt.

Anyways on to my question......
Next Project 1954 ****** pickup 4X4,Ford D60 HP KP front, Chevy D 70 HD rear end, i know it's not ford Body but it's all ford power under the sheet metal.
Before putting some major cash into it, i was thinking i could go three ways for a power train.

#1 i Have a 351w and a Np 205, and can get a C6 ( working ) for $200.
i also have no wireing for this build, what i have is a shell. So i need some sort of a donor or maybe go with "painless" but there a bit $$ for a 12 circut universal kit.

#2 look for a donor truck ? right ? question is what is a good truck to look for ? and what amount would be ok to spend ? spend too little and you get what you paid for, spend too much and your wasting money. I guess the question here is , what is the best bang for the you buck ? what do you think ?

#3 third leads me to this conclusion, if i spend too much like say $4000 - $5000 on a decent donor, i may as well look into a salvaged vehicle, And get me a newer low mileage drive train, but then i got all kinds of censors and junk to worry about.
This truck will be riding on 38's doing the occasional trail/mud bog.

I'am just a back yard mechanic, learning as i go, and would sort of like to keep it somewhat simple.
I want some power 300+ , but i also don't want to be filling up every 5 miles, making 6 miles a gallon.

What would you do/build what would be my best choice, i know there are pros and cons to everything, so please share your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks in advance.

 

Anybody have some suggestions ?