A stroker works good in the FE's,,, build the engine and select the cam to make optimum torque at the lowest rpm possible.... I like the Edelbrock heads, they're good right out of the box but even better with a bit of port and flow bench work.... The entire Edelbrock package including cam, lifters, intake, and heads would be a good consideration as the pieces are designed to produce good torque numbers at low rpm... Don't worry about the horsepressure numbers, concentrate on increasing the torque, in a big heavy 4x4 pickemup, it's going to take big torque to make it work..... I'd go with the forged crank, with a low revving engine it's probably not essential, but IMO the added strength is worth the extra investment.....

Welcome to the Club, have fun with your build and keep us updated!!! We're all a bunch of suckers for some good pics, too!!!!!!!