That 292 has as much bottom end torque as that 350. I had no problem towing what ever I needed to with the 292. There were some long grades that I did get down into 3rd at about 35 mph, that said. Pull the 292 with passenger side motor mount and tower and put in the for sale forum. You will need a 68-72 truck bell housing and 63-72 passenger side tower and motor mount for a v8. There should be enough wire on the wire harness that it will work with the v8. You may have to get an adapter for the temp sender use the one from the six it will match your gauge if you have one. If I missed something I'm sure it will be caught.

From what I've read the front end should be just about a direct swap. You may need a drill or a rat tail file to get all the bolts to slip in. That's my project for this year.

Does the 79 have coils or leaf?

Larry

I don't own a vehicle that isn't old enough to drink.