What we need is

[junkyard jim]

a dept of silly ideas we would build if we had cubic money!

Take the '71 Loadstar 1800 (only $1,000 till I take my torch to it!) for example.

What I had in mind is to put a sleeper/kitchenette behind the cab after shortening the 18' deck, then add a stinger to haul the on-road/partsgetter rig and the toy would sit on deck.
Pop in a 7.3L turbo diesel and it would be good to go and still get about 15 mpg with the O/D Clark and 2 (or 3) speed rear.

:stirpot:

I even went so far as to find a replacement cab (with good doors) for it for only $100!

 

[Thegreasemonkey]

or instead of puttin ford crap in there you can go with a DT360 or 466, the 5&2 should have a sae bolt pattern that will bolt straight up to the 360. compare the dt360 to a 5.9 cummins, about the same cubes and just a hair long but with wet sleeve design and cheaper to find.

 

[junkyard jim]

It has a 345 IH not 360. The 7.3 in Fords is also IH and I can get one with all accessories I need for less than $1,000

 

[Thegreasemonkey]

the 7.3 has issues big time, the DT360 would be a good swap and you can more likely than not get it for under $1000 too. i didnt figure it had the 360 thats why i suggested the swap.