Doc-
Here's my two cents- If you aren't in too much of a rush I think you'd enjoy learning how to "modernize" the truck. Most of it isn't rocket science and the stuff that are more difficult aren't that hard either. It is time consuming, can be messy, very frustrating and extraordinarily fulfilling and satisfying.
You will be very surprised about what you can do yourself once you try.
Before you jump into taking it somewhere, think about finding someone who can help you do it yourself, maybe a retired mechanic or hotrodder. Ask around where you work and I'll bet that before you know it you'll find someone who knows what they are doing and is willing to help when you get stuck, or check over your work when you are done to make sure you got it right.
The ease of working on these trucks is one of things that is so great about them.
In terms of modernizing the truck, here's my humble suggestion in order of importance: None of the things I listing would require much more than a cheap set of wrenches,a repair manual, some elbow grease, some hand cleaner, cash, time and reading this forum for tips.
Seat belts.
Brakes- Discs in front and a dual master cylinder.
Suspension/steering: Modern shocks, re-arched springs, new kingpins, spring mount busings and bolts etc, front sway bar, replace anything that is too worn (drag link, tie rods, etc...) and grease it regularly.
Turn signals.
Electric- Convert to 12 v alternator, bulbs, 12v halogen headlights, voltage drops for the guages and distribitor.
As far as the leaking transmission goes- You could get the truck working and take it to a tranny shop for them to rebuild it, or you could take it out of the truck yourself and have someone else rebuild it and then put it back in yourself.
