Well, priced out some things for a steel housing swap or SAS. I'm wanting to get it all together before Zukimelt in July, ~8 weeks away. Don't have a whole lotta time at home off work hours, so I've decided to go stock steel housing.
Would prefer to do a SAS, however, I would need to swap to a steering box, fab suspension links, get a proper diff with near same track width, (may have to match rear axle also), prefer gear/locker option, etc. Looking at upwards of $2000-$4000 easily.
Swap in a Anvil, but no one has tested the waters on this option yet. $590 + shipping, +$ unknown extras. Unknown length of cv's necessary.
Search car-part.com and found an 01 XL7 steel front housing in NY. $500. Stock, will bolt right in. Just swap out my center chunk. Comes with the 4.30 5-sp R&P and driver's long inner shaft. Should be here in 5 days or less. Resale is a plus.
Would have preferred the Anvil as I'll be lifting the front with spacers.
In review of my aluminum, I think I'll add another brace to the driver's side. The rack and pinion mount is quite near to the driver's frame mount. Should be simple.
Ya!