[Big Dave]

If the truck were totalled out, I'd probably get something cheap to drive until I got a project done.

Alternative A:
A 1994-96 Chevy Caprice (or Impala SS or Buick Roadmaster), convertit to a t-56 transmission and a 6.5 GM turbodiesel.

Alternative B:
Buy a 6-speed Pontiac GTO (not the G8), tweak the aero some, and wait til 4.5 diesels become available.

Alternative C:
If I could get a Hummer H3 REALLY, REALLY cheap, I'd convert it to the six speed and a Cummins 4BT3.9 or the M-B diesel out of a Sprinter. Just to show it can be done.

Alternatice D:
A Chevy K-Blazer with te same treatment as Alternative C

I'd look in the West or Southwest (Denver, Phoenix, etc) for a rust-free vehicle.

I have no beef with Hondas and Suzuki clones (I regard the Insight as a little engineering jewel) but they just don't have the headroom I need.