I need to come up with another name for the blue pig... Maybe you guys can help. Be nice!

I meant to start a thread on this truck after I first got it, but neglected to do so... I'll fill in the blanks to catch up to present time and then keep current on posting my progress. I might have a few pics stored somewhere too.
The truck has come a long way from when I purchased it from Earl Kann. I was fortunate to get it since it had already been sold to Dave Larsen's friend... The truck was chock full of goodies. There was a lot of stuff for one of Earl's other trucks in there too along with a large bag of gold coins.

I've tried to acquire parts for it as I can find/afford.
The truck would fire up, but the motor had a loud knock in the lower end. I purchased a used 440 motor from Shorty2275, but had to pick it up in Victorville. Shortly afterwards, I purchased a set of 3/4 ton axles out of an '83 Dodge utility truck from Shorty3375 and returned to Victorville to pick them up.
I ordered up some steel tube for a roll cage, front/rear bumpers, and a spare tire carrier. A few of us placed our orders together to get a price break on the steel tube. I'm glad we did considering the price for steel tube has continued to rise ever since.
I was very inexperienced in the world of Dodge. Fortunately, I've had a lot of help and support from the ORE gang and I'm slowly learning. I've also gotten my fair share of crap, but that was mostly from the Toyota guys!

This truck has fought me every step of the way, but I've gotten through it with a little help from my friends.
Bill helped me swap out the motor. It wasn't too bad as far as motor swaps go because it originally had a 440 and I swapped in another 440. I don't think it would have been as easy if I had been stepping up to a 440.
I held off installing the axles for quite some time so I could save up for 8 lug rims and 37" MTR's...
Bill has helped me every step of the way. We swapped out the axles in preparation for the Dodge vs Toyota trip to Big Bear. Bill hooked me up with a killer deal on some used 5" Super Lift springs for the rear and some new 5" Super Lift springs for the front. Bill fabbed up the u-bolt spring plates. I picked up a new set of u-bolts locally from Deaver. We installed a Detroit EZ-Lock locker in the front and a Lock-Right locker in the rear. We also installed a Mile Marker part-time kit for the transfer case. Next time, I will be sure to go through the axles thoroughly before the swap.

Actually, the axles have been a nightmare. I will elaborate more on the issues I experienced with the axle shaft and tie rod. I've got the only Shaggy's custom driveshaft on the planet. Bill shortened it as a temporary fix to get me home, but he did such an awesome job, I'm going to keep it until I get around to installing a gear doubler. At least the drag link went in without concern.

We did eventually get the truck operational and slammed on the 8-lug Centerline rims and 37" GoodYear MTR's. She looks great and wheels great, except for the damn OVERHEATING problem I experienced in Moab... More on that later too!

I purchased a 205 transfer case (turbo 350) from Jed that I will eventually upgrade to a turbo 450 and use for a gear doubler set up.