I seen where this started way back when and you felt over your head. Looks like you have come a long ways since then. Also seen the custom front end you had on your Ranger, (buckled hood)
I have gotten to your 77 Extended cab. Will try to finish it later. I had a 76 that I was going to restore. Need the normal floor pans, cab corners and body mounts. When I started stripping the paint, someone did a poor job on replacing the passenger cab corner. That was way over my head. A guy I knew used the truck for a parts truck for his.
I like the 76-77 grill but I want to use a 77-79 bed as they have the fuel door instead of a gas cap. I could always graft in a fuel door in need be. At this time I really dont need a full size truck, but when I do I am building an73-79 truck with 76-77 grill and 77-79 bed extended cab.
I will be like you started when I do a V8 Ranger. That is new territory to me. May be over my head, but i can learn. Just got to jump in and do it. I have done plenty of restores but they were all stock. Never done a V8 conversion. My welding sucks but I have a grinder and know how to use it.
Great build you have going on.