Thanks for the input 52Carl! I think I'll refurbish this '51 as original as practical and then buy another AD to hotrod...
If this is how you plan to proceed, you can have a safe and enjoyable truck to drive.
Mechanical items to be considered (you can decide on when to deal with fit/finish/seals of non-mechanical items - a safe-driving truck would seem to be the primary concern).
First: go through the braking system (and front wheel bearings). All new parts/lines would be ideal; however, at least clean, inspect, (replace any parts, as necessary), and adjust/bleed all parts in the system.
Second: clean, inspect, replace-as-necessary all parts of the suspension (front and rear) and steering-linkage systems. You should end up with no loose parts - replace/repair as needed. Spring bushings, tie-rod ends, and king pins are point of wear that all significantly affect steering ease, stability, tracking, and safety.
Third: adjust the steering box and front-end alignment settings.
Fourth: check/replace the tires - one "upgrade" that will greatly affect steering and tracking is to get light-truck, high-profile, radial tires (sizes can be found that will fit original rims/wheels).
Be patient, follow a reasonable strategy of inspect/repair/replace.
One significant, but costly, upgrade that can be considered after all of the above have been accomplished is a higher-speed rear-end. This decision is more costly and more complex. It can and should wait until after you have a truck that you can safely drive.
