Thanks for responding guys,

I like the look of the stock front, can I fit rack and pinion steering to it?
How about disc brakes?
An explorer rear and T-5 sounds perfect.

I'm gonna start looking for them.

As we go, I want to make it as driveable and safe as possible.

Planning on pulling the body off in the next month or so and getting started. we have 5 years. That sounds like alot, but I have a feeling...

Is there a parts warehouse that I can contact with all my hairbrained questions?

Is there a good website with lots of photos so we can see other options and make decisions?