I think you jumped to fast buying a vehicle, but those are my thoughts. I would have started on the engine with a plan while looking for something more racey.
My thoughts as well...... if the real goal was a “ten”.
The only truck I can imagine using for this type of project would have been an earlier Dakota 2wd.
I too would have started on/done the motor first....... then if the right vehicle didn’t come along...... it would been stuffed into one of the Dusters.
