Rear End Gurus can i have a minute?

[stealth_weapons]

i am considering a swap from my current 63 C10 12 bolt rear end (pressed on back plates)to a Ford 9 inch. the reason is i want the 5X5 lug pattern and ease of changing gearing.
now my question is, what all is involved in the swap, what misc. parts might i need, and what about axle lengths (is there a certain length,car, or truck i should look for)
thanks for your help

after deciding on the rear end i will be upgrading all brakes to disc and adding wheels/tires.