'66 Utility/Wrecker project

[u2slow]

Within my little group of friends, we've decided we need a utility truck.

Basically a 1-ton dually with flatbed, jib crane, and a wheel-lift.

Here's the truck that will donate the cab & nose:


We are planning to mount the sheetmetal on a '79 C30 frame. Add a narrow 14bFF DRW axle and Detroit locker. Install a flatdeck from this Ford:


Wheel-lift is available at a local wrecking yard. Get the hydraulics for that, and the crane unit from Princess Auto. (This sort of thing - beefier if one is available)


Now for powertrain we're still not sure... could drop in a 250, 350, 366 tall deck, or a 7.3L IDI diesel. Could also build a 292, 400, 402, 454, or 6.2L diesel. (just amongst the options immediately available). Should we go with GM power, it will be a SM465 trans. Might add a transfer case just for the extra set of grunt gears.

19.5" wheels and rubber would be cool for the look and load capacity, but might end up using 16" for availability-sake.

Any suggestions?