I do occasional off-road (it's been converted to a 4x4) but most use is around town, hauling 3-400 lbs of stuff in the bed, or an occasional small trailer tow with 7-800 lbs. It is about 800 lbs over factory curb weight with the bumper, winch, 4x4 gear, etc.

Quote Originally Posted by PowerRam348 View Post
it all depends on what you want from your motor. it's fine to say you want it stronger but what is it the engine is going to do; get on the freeway, race a little, tow stuff, economy, power?? as far as making it stronger, the rods are already forged and you can get forged pistons from J.E. and Clevite but they are spendy. i have no idea about an upgraded crankshaft other than custom. i strongly recommend getting arp studs for your con-rods, crank mains, and head bolts. when i did my engine rebuild i did a .020 over bore, eliminated the balance shafts and had everything balanced. i removed 2 pounds from the flywheel, centerforce clutch, edis4 distributorless ignition powered by megajolt. i replaced the head with a non jet valve fully assembled head from clearwater cylinder heads. the rebuild kit i got from ebay. the whole engine rebuild with modifications ran me about $1700.00. i built my engine for getting on the freeway. my transmission rebuild over this last weekend ran me $275. again, it all depends on what you want the engine to do.