i am looking into picking up a mid 80's to mid 90's ranger from a junkyard. the whole goal is a trailer rig (NOT street legal).i have friends with a couple junkyards and can get just about anything that is rebuildable for nearly free.i'm gonna spit out my plan and would love some feedback.

strip the truck to cab only and frame
sas to a dana 44/60 setup if only a six cylinder will fit
sas to rockwells if i can get v8 with enough horses in
if i go w/ the 6 banger then carbed W/propane

now here is my main problem. should i go soa? where do i get the kits? or should i go 4link?
i do not know enough people with the experience for good answers. i want rock crawl ability and speed. also this is my first rig. i also pjan a full exo after i am finished.