Let me start by saying that I'm pretty new to all this. I've always loved trucks and hung around with a bunch of motor heads but I've never built anything myself. I currently have a 7.3 liter Excursion that has 234k on it. Love the diesel. We use it to tow our camper. I dont drive it in the winter because it would destroy it here in NY. It's originally from Utah.
I would like to put together a 4wd van. It,s goin to take time and there is a steep learning curve, more like a cliff.lol Winter is long here , so why not.

Engine: I would really like it to be diesel. I was thinking of putting a 6bt. I have had a couple PSD's but am trying to operate on the Keep It Simple Stupid principle for this one.

Transmission: I would love for it to have a mannual transmission. I actually have a line on a mannual Econoline thats not far from me. There's no engine in it. The body looks good and it's pretty cheap. I also found a 78 Pathfinder conversion, but the body is shot. The motor is shot. Owner says the driveline is all intact, however If its going to be diesel and stick there doesnt seem to be a lot of benefit to picking it up. There is probably better 4wd options. If I was going to go 6bt then it would be better to just continuing on with the Dodge driveline rather than spending tons of money on adapters etc.

Frame : So I have a line on a diesel E350 chasis. 138wb/354 rear Its cheap and looks to be in good shape. I think it would be a great place to start. It is however from an extended van so I think the frame is longer to support that?

From what I can tell so far the bodies seem to be somewhat interchangeable as long as they are within the same generation??

For me this would just be a project. No expectations. No pressure. Just a Beast of a FrankenVan. Share your thoughts on this? Concerns and Guidance all appreciatted.