What to do with my 5.2 magnum
 

I have a 318 mangum motor from my grand cherokee laredo. Im parting out the jeep and i want to do a fun street project with this 318. mileage is relatively low and i have some extra money to play with. Im in no rush to get things done and am open to suggestions. Here are my issues
1) im new to mopar
2) i have no idea of what to put this in (im thinking something easy to come by like a single cab dakota but im up for anything even thinking a nissan 240sx)
3) I really dont know what transmissions to look at for this. i dont care if its auto or manual i just want something fun and different i build a b18c integra powered del sol, ive always wanted something american with torque and that sounds good and is fun to drive and now the oppurtunity is here but idk what to do. Im young and still learning, this is something id like to get my dad into helping me with. my friend and his father run a machine shop so i have some pretty good resources. ive looked at stroker kits and forced induction it may not be in my budget to have this done this year but with a year or so's time i should be plenty ok. Please if you have any input on this give me all that you've got

You will want to keep the computer and wiring harness uncut for sure. You can run a NV3500 2wd manual trans behind it. Otherwise you'll want whatever the jeep had for it's tranny but the 2wd version that way there will be much less work to do with the computer.

I would look for a 92-96 dodge dakota to drop that in to though. Regular cab, short bed, either 2wd or 4wd (if 4wd then you should be able to drop the motor, tranny and t-case into it with little to now problem. Just would have to get some mounts and build a crossmember.).

How about a Jeep Commanche (pickup). I like trucks, but I like Cherokees too, so I get the best of both worlds with one of those. If you can find a short bed one, would definitely be unique.