Thanks for all the input guys! I'm going to have to do a lot more homework! Believe me, if I could break it down and rebuild myself, I would, but just don't have the skills. Not that I want to spend 10k on a 12 yr old 4x4, but in my area (NJ) 10k will get me a broken down 4x4. Like I said earlier, body and interior near perfect, new tires brakes, pinion, steering and tie rods! If I get the engine/tranny done, damn near a brand new truck...dare I say it...after that what else could go wrong??

 

I say

Get the trans R/R

slap some new heads on it replace all the sensors clean out the throttle body and call it done.

I forgot and a good tune-up