77 f100 project need help

I recently acquired a 77 f100 short bed stepside 400 4speed. I also have a 78 longbed 4x4 460 auto. I drove both trucks to where they set. I am wanting to build the 77. I am looking for suggestions. I run a lot of trails with thick mud and deep ruts usualy pulling buddys out more than anything. With my curent job I'm only home for about three months out of the year so my rig has to be dependable and easy to find parts. I'm looking to run 44s on it. I am just need some suggestions. thanks  

6" suspension lift combined with some fender trimming will allow you to run at least a 38" tire.  In my opinion, that is the minimum that a fullsize should run to compete with the types of trail that you say you run.  Go full spool (or mini spool) in the rear, it's cheaper, and in my opinion, more dependable than just about any locker (except the detroit) out there.  More lock for your buck and no moving parts to worry about.  Install it, and forget about it.  Especially since you're running a 9" in the rear, full spool will be less than 150 bucks.  Spend the money on some alloy shafts and CTM joints for the 44 up front and throw in a good limited slip like a PowrLok (my 1st choice) or a Tru-Trac.  Look into a full float conversion for the rear, or upgrade to 35 spline shafts, the options for that 9" will make your head spin.  No reason those upgrades shouldn't give you a lot of service on that truck, especially if you're running an auto trans.  If it's an auto, go with 4.88s, if it's a manual, 5.13s will do the trick.  Drive with your head and not your ego.  Those parts will live under that truck even with decent HP as long as you don't attack every obstacle with the stupid pedal.  I'm not familiar with the steering on those old Fords, I would also look into some type of crossover steering setup if it isn't that wat already.  Maybe look into a hydro-assist system like those from ARG.  38" of rubber is a lot to try to turn with a system designed around 29" tires.  I would stay away from the 460 as that's alot of weight over the front axle that is unnecessary in my opinion.  I can't think of any situation, barring using your truck for sled pulling, that the extra torque of the 460 will be the deciding factor of the truck being stuck or not, or making it off the trail or not.  Low range is a beautiful thing and makes up for all kinds of power loss.  Not that the 400 is some type of dog either, mind you.  If the mud is thick enough that you will be pushing it with your radiator, or contacting water with your fan, look into relocating the radiator in the bed with an electric fan.  Will make all the difference in the world.  Good Luck!  

my buddy is trying to talk me into unimong axels under it what is your opinion on these axels he is also sugesting doubling up my t case i have a 205 and a spare 203 i have seen alot of doubled t cases i just dont know about the axels  

Well, it really depends on how involved you want to get with this truck and how much money you want to spend.  If you are wanting to go full-bore hard core with it, then forget about Unimog axles and invest in some Rockwells and run however large a tire you want and forget about breaking axles.  Sure, you could go with the doubler, but again it depends on how serious you will get with this truck.  Do I think it's neccessary?  I don't know, I am not you, nor do I know your driving style.  One thing for sure, if you are wanting to run a tire larger than 38", you will need to change axles.