[Mock1]

Originally Posted by Greasey Harley

Do you want it lowered? stock height? Do you want an all inclusive kit? do you want to do a junk yard swap?
Do you want 5 lug or 6 lug?
What is your budget?

I never put more than 3/4 tank of fuel in my truck. that seems to help with the fumes.

Originally Posted by Lee H

Start off with buying a good shop manual, Chiltons or Better yet GM. There is a thread where your can down load for free. Read before repairing. As for your gas smell, remove your seat and replace the rubber lines on your gas tank, may have to replace the sending unit o-ring. For brakes, disc upgrade is good when funds permit. A quality brake job with new or turned drums, fresh wheel cylinders, quality brake shoes, new hoses and you will be able to stop on a dime. I would fix what you have and upgrade as time goes on.

X2.
Get a book.
Fix fuel leaks,
REPAIR brakes,
Shocks,
Steering, alignment.