73-79 Camero-Firebird will have about the same width rear axle as your truck so the swap will be pretty easy, both use leaf springs. The engine and trans can be anything you want. The advantage of using a one car swap is you can go to any local parts house and ask for parts from that which you robbed parts from. If you plan on a little hot rodding, then the V8 would be a good choice, but if you want some thing reliable and cheap, stick with your current engine and swap in a modern trans and rear axle. You have a lot of choices to make and the first one is how are you going to use this truck? The next question you should ask, is how much work are you willing to do yourself or can do yourself. Swapping the axle is pretty easy, changing engines requires more work including welding and fabricating.
Another thing to consider is braking and handling, the faster you go the more of each you will need. These trucks do not like sudden lane changes or maneuvers, even with modern front suspension, they are top heavy and tend to lean, at least mine does. Once you change out the axles, you have lost all load caring capacity, you end up with a truck body on a car chassis.
Also, go to a few local cruise nights and car shows, you will see way to many V8 trucks that all use the same parts. If you want to stand out, stick with the inline motor chassis.
Joe
