So this post is about a truck i would like to build in the future. I have alot of ideas and am wanting to get others ideas on what would possibly be the best options. I would like to build a diesel truck that can be used to haul heavier loads then typical HD pickups. My original idea was to use a 1952 chevy 1 ton and put a 6bt into it. For the non original parts i was wanting to mate an roadranger 13 speed to the cummins and use a semi rea axle with air brakes. I have done a pretty good amount of research into ways to provide enough air capacity and cfm to work air brakes and the air shift splitter without having to buy an original mounted compressor. The idea works in my head but the engine is a little longer then the engine compartment and would take fab work that i do not have the experience for. I have also thought the dt466 seeing as how it is similar, weighs more but has more torque, and is more readily available with an engine mounted air compressor. This is where i cannot decide what would be best. the axle is a good idea because air brakes could handle any weight i would throw at them and the axle would not stress with any load for this truck. The idea for the 13 speed is that empty i could have 8 gears forward, not too much shifting to fret about, but have 13 available to carry a load along without stressing the engine. My question is would it just be smarter to buy a chevy 3500 and jack up the engine power and just juice up the zf6 that i think is the manual, might be wrong on the tranny. I dont like dodge bodies but do like the idea of a cummins, but a dmax is good i here and do enjoy the sound of them. Just seeing what others think would be smart to do cost wise and time wise