this has taken awhile, getting started on a forum that is. never been a part of one, but this is a subject of considerable interest. i apologize if i don't reply promptly, but my internet access is a 5 mile drive from home. i am 36 and have been building bicycles, cars, rifles, snowmachines, etc. since age 13. in the past 12 weeks i invested nearly 800 hours designing and building a lightweight 4x4 as a rock crawler/"polar expedition" rig (lots of snow in wyoming!). i seldom shy from "it can't be done" projects, but this was monumental. there won't be a 2nd "stude-tracker" inspite of the amazing abilities the rig is providing me. i'm going back to working on falcons, much more enjoyable! i currently drive a 64 ranchero, logging 30-40,000 miles per year. i stopped counting mileage after 3 bird hunting seasons with 85,000 mi. on used engine. that was several years back and the ol' 170(swapped in to replace bad 200 that came with truck) is pretty well used up. the t-5 conversion i built(much different from lm 200/t-5 conv.) and 4 lug 8" rear(yes, they do exist, look for 70-71 maverick) will be joining a fresh high comp 170 in my 1960 'chero. building for mpg/long dist. travel. i intend to do another dual tank settup. current ride still runs 27-30 mpg if driven gentle, but used to crowd 40! combo:mikuni prog. 2 bbl, t-5 trans, 3.00 rear, 205/75 r 14 tires, drum brakes(discs were tried on 5 lug setup but increased mechanical drag/reduced mpg noticeabley). have built and tried numerous conversions for falcons, 5.0 efi, trannys, ignition, axles, carbs, etc. hope my ambitious experiments can be of help to others. may make occassional updates on the "kestral"(1960 'chero), first mod- have figured out how to put air shocks at all 4 corners! thanks to all who actually read this whole thing!
new member/finally made it! 
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