new guy - Advice needed on what to consider if purchasing

[joe8806]

Hey there guys,

New guy from texas here. I plan on buying an 87 shortbed chevy when I get back from deployment as a daily driver and fix her up along the way. I'd liek to get it in decent shape as to not have to worry about reliability, and durability issues down the stretch as I restore here and there. I'd like it to be a single cab, shortbed 4x4. I was wondering what things you guys take in consideration and things to look when looking to make a purchase like this and progress to a good restoration. I was thinking possibly maybe a 350? I hear tr400 or th400 trannys are good to put in them. as well as a good set of 3.73's in the rearend. Whats a good place to buy parts for these things? I was thinking about painting it gloss black with chrome mirrors, silver/chrome trimming, possible guard bed rails, rhino bed liner, clear tail lights, billet grille, 4-6 inch lift with mickey thompson wheels and tires. Does this seem possible within a manageable budget (6-12k)? anything else I need to add?