Where do I start?

[Steertalker]

First of all I'm new here and this is my first thread here. So let me introduce myself first. My name is Brett Bracken and I'm from Midland, TX. Very glad I found this place.

My son and I just purchased a '71 4WD K10 LB. It is in fairly good shape and runs well, or at least I think so. The engine is a GM replacement crate 350 motor with only about 8,000 miles on it. The transmission has also been rebuilt, I believe. Other than that everything else is original equipment.

Our goal is for this to be a father/son project and to restore the pickup as best we can. I say "as best we can" because neither one of us are gearheads or mechanics, albeit we are both mechanically inclined. We don't have a shop per se and our tools are limited. But we would like to do as much of the work ourselves as possible. What I would like to do is identify those things that we definitely can tackle and those things that will need to be done by a professional mechanic.

In my mind the first thing I think we should tackle is the steering and front and rear axles/differentials. How difficult is it for a novice to replace ball joints, steering knuckles and to overhaul the front and rear axles with new bearings/seals and go back in with full lockers, such as Detroit Lockers or some such thing???

Just looking for some advice or wisdom on how to get started. Got a limited budget too. Oh...not wanting to get real radical, just want to restore the truck to original condition with a few upgrades....like full locking diff's, 4 wheel disc brakes, upgrade the ignition system etc.

Thanks,

Brett

Our new baby....