OK thanks for the info and advice.
My van was a conversion van that got stripped to be a panel van (just metal walls and floor with two front captains chairs), and I am rebuilding it back up. I purchased the van for 700 bucks, my budget is very limited for upgrades, so I am taking the one piece at a time approach.
I feel that I need 4x4 for winter driving (I am a musician and travel quit a bit) and occasional back country excursions. I will be doing all the work myself, and it looks like i will just start stockpiling parts until I have what I need to do the job. The Pathfinder parts look like the way to go, axle choices seem very limited for this vintage.
I like the older body style better than the new one, but if I find a screaming deal on a newer one I may switch over, but probably not.
I am really digging your rig rockbender!
Thanks again!