nice looking truck, i'd drive it
sounds like you like the look but not how it drives or handles,
not sure you'd be any happier with a stock 6 cly, 3 on the tree, 67-72
v8 is easy as these trucks were designed for a sbc, it's a basic bolt in
auto is a little harder, as the motor mounts and trans mount need to be reworked
handling is harder yet and takes a lot more fabrication work/skill,
once you change to ifs, you also need a newer column and whole brake system