Newbie needs helpful advice

[bamafrost]

FNG from Alabama (1968 C10 Fleetside shorty)

Hi'yall…

Just joined, so let the hazing begin. Hahaha

Just bought a project C10 (for $2300) that I have big plans for…and I could use some advice from all you guys that have "been there, done that". I am not that mechanically inclined by I will try doing much of the work myself and with gearhead buds to save bucks. Just don't want to make any stupid and costly misteaks (oops, see what I mean…mistakes).

Currently has a newly rebuilt 305/2 bbl and 350TH in it…but I am having a 700R4 gone through and plan to install it. I am doing a driver that'll get good mpg. Don't need to tear up tires and drivetrain at my age (65 years young). That's what my '68 Rambeler American 2 door post (built 340 Mopar / 425 hp) is for. Hahaha I attached two images…I know it's not a chevy…just think of me as part of a "nuclear family" where anything goes. lmao

Kinda like a red-headed stepchild thing.

The C10 needs the usual…cab corners, maybe doors (I'll get '72 as they are better I am told due to notched area for vent wing lever) as patch panels and labor would probably be a push $-wise.

I want to do a few things, so I'll list them and ask for advice on those:

1) I want to install a 700R4 trans…aside from trans cross member will it just bolt in place and clear bottom of cab trans tunnel?

2) I want to install CST buckets and console…but could use a lead on same and any advice on fitment of a low-back/no headrest split bench set-up out of a later model Chevy truck.

3) I want to move gas tank to the back…what's the best/most cost-effective tank/kit?
I don't want to look like a side order @ Popeye's Chicken.

4) Want advice on conservative lowering as I don't want to effect caster/camber too badly. I was thinking a 3" coil drop all around (?) I notice a lot of guys drop an inch or two more in the back...why is taht?Are springs the best way…or dropped spindles on the front and what on the rear. Will probably run either 16" IROC chrome rims all around…or 15" Torque Thrust II's.

5) I want to go to 12" Power discs on the front (5 on 5)…and what is the best/cheapest way to get the 5 on 5 out back? Fill and drill axles…or just swap out a later C10 rear end (mine is pretty ugly…the truck's that is…my own rear end is BUTT-ugly.)

Wow…that's a lot of stuff for such a non-mechanical newbie to ask of you guys. But, please help out this old and confused gearhead. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!! Tom

[jsbgump]

Welcome to the board from Texas. Find you a donor truck for the 5 lug stuff for the cheapest way. The reason the rear gets lowered an extra 2 inches is that th rear end sits 2 inches higher than the front from the factory

[Liz]

Howdy. Post your questions over in the 67-72 area for the best response. Love the rambler. We have a section for alternate tinkerings as well! Lots of members with some cool stuff in there. You should go show it off too