1959 GMC 250 series 1 ton Massive Conversion

[The Good Ratchet]

Well I am new to the thread. I have been impressed with the level of technical knowledge of the people. I have a 1959 GMC 1 ton, 270 Inline 6, SM 420 trans, and a big 1 ton 5.14 (I believe) to 1 ratio rear end.

I am going to drop a TBI 454 in for an engine, a SM 465 transmission, NP 205 transfer case, and a corporate 14 bolt rear end with the matching front end.

I am heading to the junkyard tomorrow and am looking for advice on what rear end would swap in the easiest. As far as I know the width of the frames between a 1/2 ton and the full 1 ton are the same (34 inches).

I am also seeking advice on upgrading to power brakes. I have seen kits that bolt to the frame on 1/2 ton trucks so you can keep the pedal position. I am seeking the same for my truck.

One last thing is steering. I would like to change out the gear box so I can upgrade to power steering. I was thinking about grabbing the steering box out of the truck that I am grabbing the front end out of. Has anyone done that kind of swap with one of these trucks?

Thanks guys!