Any advice for a novice stripping under-carriage & drive train?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

71 C-10 402/400 I'm perfectly green going into this. Can't wait to ID all the parts (so fun )........I've stripped the cab less front/rear windows, but essentially the undercarriage & drive train are a cab cart away. For what it's worth, I'm brushing the frame, and this is all in my garage less body/paint.

1. At some point the entire frame needs to be on stands. Is it safe to use a floor jack (on rollers) on the front or rear with the other side on jack stands? Very gradual? Other options? I've brought up the topic before, but something about visualizing a truck falling gives me the shivers.

2. In what order should I remove the following, generally speaking? It's all coming off.

• Engine
• Transmission
• Suspension including steering from the steering box. This truck has rear leaf springs and a front sway bar.
• Drive line
• Axle

3. Specialty tools? I know a pitman arm puller, and I think a coil spring compressor. Prefer using the right tools.



Rust isn't an issue. Lucky for a first project. Thank you for any input.