I say keep looking and keep saving. You never know what's it there until you've looked for a while. I thinks it's awesome he wants a J -truck. He has good taste! Your dad also owns a shop also if I remember correctly. I'm guessing this will be the learning project like your Comanche was? Good luck hunting!!
I like the idea of an XJ with third row. I would have to say start with a two door and cut it behind the B pillar then insert four door rear doors. Captains chairs for the middle row and the two door rear seat in the back where it started.
I would but it and rear gear it Dana 44 are hard to find. I feel you on the 3.07 and 31's that's my current combination. I'm going to 4.10 with junkyard diff's just need the time to get them cleaned and swapped.
It's a stupid law but we have it a ton better than allot of places. License plates are cheap here, emissions? What emissions, and state inspection or should I say no inspection required.
All cars have an option for a front plate. It's usually not on the vehicle but in the vehicle for the dealer to install.There are front plate states and not front plate states. The cops don't care about anything but the law which in Iowa says you must have a front plate.