I guess it seems like it would work the best. Lockers aren't the answer for snow on pavement (not to be confused with snow wheeling). I think the cruiser 4wd is gonna work great on icy roads, especially if you put some excellent winter tires on it. I would prefer ABS on my snow car, but that...
The real challenge will be finding the 80 with the running gear you prefer and in a state you can live with...or afford to address. This would have been a more affordable project 5 years ago....10 years ago!
I’m so confused. Cool platform yes, we all drank the koolaid. I think we can all agree that the robust design of the 80 shines brightest when off of the pavement.
What are you hoping that it will do that your subaru or audi or locked truck will not?
Given that you are a research oriented...