Pre589 - If I was looking for a DD truck, you're absolutely correct. BUt I'm looking to build a track rat.
I found a fairly active Courier forum and have managed to learn a few things. As much as I like the looks of the early models, The post-'77 trucks have some advantages:
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Slightly longer cab. At 6 foot+, I probably need the extra inches to fit in a good race seat and cage.
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77 and later couriers were available with the 2.3L and a 5 speed - meaning that aturbo conversion ala Tbird or SVO stang backed by a T5 is a fairly easy thing to do - lots of go without much weight gain. Also, the possibility of wedging in a Tbird IRS comes to mind....
So...if I get around to doing this, I think the optimal starting point would be a '77+ 2.3L 5spd short bed truck.
The front susp is a double wishbone setup, but Mustang II is a popular swap.
EDIT: And the bullet numbering still doesn't work.....
) 1974 Courier. Bought it for $100 with the motor disassembled (timing chain tensioner came apart), rebuilt the motor and drove the crap out of it for a few years then traded it towards my GTi (in retrospect, not a good decision). 
