67 shorty

[gripnrip]

I'm hoping to get some advice from those with experience, expertise and most importantly more smarts than myself.
I recently acquired a 67 shorty stepside, and I'm hoping for some advise. First of all I apologize that I'm unable to post pics, (even after compressing them). As soon as I am able to figure this out I'll post some. The main questions I have are as follows. I would like to build a 292 that I have and is stripped to the block. I would like PS and power brakes, tilt wheel, auxilliary fuel tank, possibly a 2" drop, auto tranny and a seat that is comfortable for a guy over 6' tall.
I've had many of these 67-72's over the years but have only done light cosmetic and mechanical work to them. This truck needs to be a comfortable and affordable (if possible), daily driver.
I can pick up a late 70's 1/2 ton chevy van for a couple hundred $'s and the biggest question I have of all is this. Is it possible to adapt any of the front suspension components from this van to my truck? Also, could the fuel tank from this van be utilized? I know the tilt steering column could because I've done it before. Has anyone ever tried to mount a shorty pickup to a van frame?
I know this is a lot of info and ?'s here but I think I can save a lot of heartache by learning from others who have been down these paths before.
Thanks for any help.