Sounds like you learned a lesson that many times we have to figure things out for ourselves. If you are wanting a truck by numbers instruction then you will continue to be disappointed in your efforts to rebuild your truck.
So what if some parts do not fit the original exactly. Make it fit yourself. As for thinking original wheels would work with disc brakes, that is an issue everyone needs to think about including back spacing.
If this stuff were easy then anyone could be a stovebolter.
