To answer bajadulce: We started the rebuild from the ground up--I wanted to start with a solid foundation. The shell was not removed but the floor was jacked up to make it flat, additional steel was welded in (full width of RV) to massively reinforce the frame and the floor with new plywood on top was bolted to the frame. It is burly and super solid. I have pics that document every step of the rebuild--I will post some of them. 1. 22R motor, 5 speed manual tranny, straight axle front end. 2. not sure of weight, I've been meaning to weigh it 3. not sure of departure angle Update: I've had a great 4 years with this rig, but life circumstances have changed and I have decided to put my beloved Sunrader 4x4 up for sale. Advertisements to come, both on this site and on expedition portal. Just giving everyone here a heads up. I will put it on the market for $50K and see what happens. If I can't get something close to that, I'll just keep it. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it. Here's the link to many pics: http://www.vanspecia...y/yota-4x4.html