The 63-66 had essentially the same front end as the 67-87 4x2 trucks. Makes parts cheap and you can swap in newer disc brakes from the newer ones by changing the ball joints and tie rod ends and addding the new spindle with disc brakes. That makes the choice of a 63 more attractive if you want to keep the wrap around windshield. Swapping in a V8 to a 60-62 shouldn't be a problem. The 'x' brace wasn't in the way of engine/ trans components. Buy the truck, then buy the assembly manual. It's a big help when you want to see how something went together. If you buy the right manual, it covers all 60-66 model PU's.
