Welcome to the site, Curtis. Nice project but a GMC is not an Apache. That is a Chevrolet designation.
It should have a 270 GMC engine in it. I don't know where you got the idea it is incapable of long trips. I have made 2 trips this year of over 2000 miles each in my '54 GMC with a 248. The 270 is a great engine. I hope you consider keeping it.
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Good luck with the truck.