[aotte1]

Agree, looking good! Consider test fitting automatic crossmember before painting the frame. On a stock 65' automatic crossmember it is a very tight fit, with front frame rails held together by radiator crossmember and/ or engine cradle crossmember. Also would install before bolting up the engine cradle cross member and painting the frame. People have reported using a sledge hammer to locate it. You could also remove rivets on one side of the rad crossmember, depending on how tight a fit, that is what I did for a stock cross member.

Another possible improvement Is a caster modifications to improve steering geometry. Not sure if applicable with the front suspension mods you are planing. Did it on 86' stepper and improved steering, maybe same front suspension you are changing to. Moved the lower control arms forward a little over 1/2", but less then 3/4. Their are some contact issues that need to be addressed around 1/2". Their a couple of good articles on the forum, you can locate them in an advanced search. Did a pretty extensive write up in the build of the 86' stepper for one. Others have also done a good write-up on this mod too. In my 86' short bed step side build it is talked about in posts 187 thru 218.

Another to consider is upgrading to a 66 and newer e brake system. Has advantages as being simpler. The Captain has good write ups on this too.

Depending on how well you want the truck to handle, now is a good time to think about front
and rear sway bars, while all is apart. The Hotchkis style rear set-up is nice. For the front you can you a 3/4 ton 1 1/4 bar from square body truck, it fits.