Well, you and I seem to like simplicity and reliability. It is tough to find that sort of thing now. Do you suppose there are just two of us?
So, you want to go back to the days of the 100hp V8 that got 3mpg. Good to know... Not that the truck makers could do that thanks to smog regulations.
You forgot one item:
Make a quality pickup with NO COMPUTER CHIPS IN THEM, AT ALL !
Am approached frequently with offers to buy it. I’ll have this truck until I die, and will leave it in my will.