Dying breed

My question is now (to anyone) what is out there now that is American, V8/read wheel drive and inexpensive for a kid to hot rod?

The 98-2005 Durango 2wd. With 5.9 or 5.7 can be found for $500 needing tranny work up to $5000.
Some came with 3.92 rear gears and a lot had 3.55s.
Modify the inside of the intake, add a little more cam, a little more stall on the converter. Eat some rice.