To add my $.02 (WOW, we're up to $.06 now), oldblue65 has the right idea. You would be amazed at the interchangeability of the '63-'66 trucks and the '73-'87 trucks. Most of the parts are direct bolt in, or can be installed with minor modifictions. The basic front suspension si the same all the way up to '87, and is easily upgradable. The rear diff was used to '76, so gears and parts aren't a problem there either. On the rear suspension, ever wonder why they call the trailing arms on Nascar race cars "Truck Arms"? Yup, that's right, they are the exact same parts from under the '60-'72 Chevy trucks. Also, any GM engine will work in the chassis, just a matter of having the correct engine mounts. But don't be so quick to dump the 6, especialy if it's a 292. Properly setup, they make as much power as a V8 and alot more torque off the bottom.
