I'm currently looking for a 99+ GM pickup, RCSB. The goal is a very serious street truck, seeing videos from Parish and a few others is where my inspiration has come from. I personally think pickups are the ultimate "sleepers" and seeing a pickup outrun a Corvette or Viper is priceless.

I am somewhat at a crossroads in my search: Do I go for a 2wd model and just get some serious tire under the back of it? The upside is cost initially, however I think in order to ever have a chance at getting traction in a 2wd truck you need a properly setup suspension and big meats under the back. This might mean quite a bit in the way of fab work like a 4-link or ladder bar setup. Also fitting the largest tire in that wheel-well might take away from the "sleeper" look?

If I went with a 4x4 model I would be spending more money initially for the truck itself. However it seems like most guys who run serious 4x4 trucks on a drag strip pretty much leave the suspension systems alone aside from shocks and maybe spring replacement, or am I missing a lot of sneaky stuff here?

I'm thinking turbo'd 408 and shooting for close to quad digit power levels, I can't believe the stock 1/2 ton driveline is going to like that at all in either case. 2wd would get a built 4L80E and maybe a factory GM 3/4 ton rear to keep all the GM electronics happy. On the 4x4 it would be a little more involved, of course the rear axle could still be a factory GM 3/4 ton unit, would the 3/4 ton front axle parts fit under a 1/2 ton truck? What about the transfer case, factory GM 3/4 ton parts or something else?

I'm open to any ideas and suggestions, thanks a lot everyone.