After the obviously intelligent suggestions here, I've realized that my dilemma ( besides the lack of limitless disposable income lol) is that I'm trying to accomplish too much with only one vehicle. It's the old adage of "what might work for multiple applications is probably not ideal for any one of those applications" or something to that effect. I need to step back and reevaluate what my primary goal(s) will be for this particular vehicle. Top priority is an authentic monster-truck look including realistic/ scale 60's, 70's, or 80's Chevy or [preferably] Ford body, and classic old-school wheels/ tires.
Traxxas Bigfoot- I love that it's relatively inexpensive, fast, ready to run, a solid jumper, and with the insanely well-detailed F100 body... just sexy as hell. Major disadvantage is the 2wd if I'm wanting it to crawl.
Traxxas Stampede- Next best thing... able to maintain similar speed and jumping ability as the Bigfoot. Although still not a crawler, the 4wd capability means that it at least has better crawling potential than the Bigfoot. Major disadvantage is that between the body, tires, and wheels... it's not at all the look that I want. That means spending a good deal of additional money on body, tires, and wheels... roughly $250 plus the $200 cost of the vehicle. And it's still not an ideal crawler.
Axial SMT 10- Much better crawling potential but not too fast out of the box plus even more expense ( even if I find it on sale for $270). If going this route, I'd have to add: Bigfoot body, wheels, tires, Lipo 2s or 3s, and appropriate charger... making this one very expensive and not all that fun where speed, jumps, etc are concerned... even though much more crawl-capable. I also have concerns if going this route in terms of fitting the F100 body. I don't want to have to trim this body much if at all and the angled rear cage of the SMT 10 looks like it may pose a problem when mating with the shape of the body.
MST MX1- Pretty high price right from the get go by the time I add a couple batteries and quality charger. Plus I don't really dig the look of all the plastic tubing throughout that chassis. Lots of good things otherwise... 4wd, damn good-looking authentic Chevy C10 body/ tires/ wheels, brush-less motor, ready to go minus battery and charger, full bearings, HT servo, CVD's, etc...
Okay... I need to clear my head for a little while lol. I'm just not sure which direction I want to/ should go.