72 drivetrain and front suspenson swap into a 69

[tjmeadows]

Ok, so this is a lot to take in but here is where I am. My 69 cst10 with the factory 307 and manual 3 speed transmission with overdrive is giving me some issuses. First of all, i got the engine started and running after new Hei distributor, plugs,wires, 2 brl carb rebuild,new fuel lines,fuel pickup, and fuel pump. I also got the OD functioning but the previous owner had the gear combition on the column reversed, 2/3 being closest to driver and 1/R being away from you. Simple fix right, just switch the linkages? Wrong, upon inspection i had one original linkage and one homemade, 3/8 square tubing custom bent piece-o-crap. so I found some OEM linkages thanks to a fellow forum member, no sweat, just slap them on and be done right? Wrong again, the lever that mounts on the splined shifter shaft that comes out of the trans was welded on the 1/r shaft, not only welded, but in the incorrect position to allow the OEM linkages the correct travel clearance. Now what?? These transmissions with overdrive are not easily located or cheap. Also, even though i got 307 running it isnt running right, after timing adjustments and carb adjustments i still con not make this motor run good on both top and bottom ends,What the hell?? I'm guessing cam, lifter or head troubles. Anyway,back to the title problem. I have access to a 72 cheyenne, air cab, with a 350, 350 turbo, disc brakes and power steering all of which my 69 does not have. Why you ask don't i just restore this truck, the comparison of the body condition is not close, the 72 is very rough inside and out, plus i have a sentimental value to the 69, being it was my first truck. So here is my question, is it sensible to pull the 350/350 turbo out and put it in my truck? Also the steering componants and disc brakes, how much of a task am i taking on? The 69 with the manual trans has a front mounted engine mount, also mounted by the clutch and no cross member under the trans. The 72 should have alll the correct mounts to swap over to my 69 correct? Any other issuses I should anticipate? The donor truck has less than 500 miles on a rebuilt trans, and according to the owner the 350 is strong, not smoking, and just needs a coil and battery in order to fire up. The truck is priced incredibly cheap from a trusted family friend, so i have no reason to doubt the fact of no mechanical issuses with the drivetrain. Do i go for the swap, or simply rebuild the 307, pull the trans out and have a new shafts on the trans installed to accept new levers so i can install the OEM linkages, boy, i'm stuck and any help would be appreciated.Thanks, Jace