Yeah, those previous guys can kiss my ***** right in the crack! I've always appreciated the quality of Isuzu vehicles but there are SEVERE limitations as to building it for serious off-roading (not trail-riding). If you are really impressed by V6 engines and IFS, there are a ton of CUV's out there - but you have to compete with the soccer moms too. It is totally the LOOKS of the vehicle that garner it's attention getting. I've retained those looks for the most part inside and out. The fender flares will have to be modified once the clearance issues are worked out.
Why not do this to a Jeep? Well, for most Jeeps, you have to upgrade the: engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, wheels, tires, etc. That amounts to just starting with a Jeep tub and replacing everything else, but then you have another Jeep (again in name only). Jeep tough with Chevy stuff? What is so unique about that?
Mile High is right? Didn't you pay attention to the first pics? I found a VX for $1000 BECAUSE it was severely abused and neglected with a bad engine. Once I decided that 37" tires were my smallest for consideration for my off-roading, then it dictates upgrading everything else in the driveline - including a CSB V8. (I had enough gear-hunting when driving my Trooper on the interstates with 40mph headwinds.)
As I can't drive it 2 miles to a nearby field without someone following me (or pulling me over - thanks Ozark PD and FD) to see what that awesome vehicle is, I think I've got the mix that I want. That is why it is MY build. Go ahead and add an after-market stereo and ArmorAll the panels. You will have an original. There is certainly a crowd for that. I want to get back to serious off-roading, V8, mechanical linkages, solid axles, and large tires! We can park our vehicles side-by-side sometime and see who gets more walk-arounds...
(If you don't like it now, don't check back. By the end of the summer, I will have completed welding classes and will begin adding some armor to the outside.)