I'm not an off roader, I get enough of that during mud season every year but I think these are cool trucks. Myself, I'd build one as a 2wd with a V8, a T5, and a cut down styleside box. I'd use an SLA front suspension and lower it about 4" so it would corner better but still not drag on the ground. Years ago I saw a early 70's half cab Bronco in the parking lot at our hotel in Mechanicsburg during the Ford Nationals. He kept the 302 and C4, lowered the rear and used a Nascar front suspension. He came out of his room as my son and Iwere looking it overand told us about it. The license plate read "ODDROD" and I think it was from Va or the Carolinas. It had a good enough paint job to use as a driver, just the way I like 'em.
I had told myself I was done with big projects. Maybe not.