[dsraven]

here is a quick way to id the trans.I would suggest to pull the dipstick and smell the fluid and also wipe the dipstick on some white paper towel. if it smells burnt or is dark coloured it may have been run hard. you wouldn't know without at least pulling the pan off and seeing what is in the bottom.
the front suspension looks stock minus the steering box. best thing to do would be jack it up and check the kingpins for wear then the tie rods and the bar that connects the two sides. best to do a study on what needs to be replaced, price it out and go from there. if you need the kingpins done then you need a machine shop to replace the bushings ream them to it the new pins.
things to check
king pin wear
tie rod wear
drag link wear
brake lining condition and wear, front and rear
brake drum condition, front and rear
brake wheel cylinder condition (gotta pull it apart and check for rust pitting in the bore or just replace the cylinders)
brake hoses, front and rear
brake steel lines and connection fittings
consider replacing the brake master cylinder to have a dual system set up. the old trucks had a single system which means the front and rear brakes are one system. if there is a failure you lose all your brakes. this was changed in later years to be a dual system so if one circuit failed you still have the other circuit. way safer and an upgrade to consider doing.
brake master cylinder condition
source a steering box which, if stock, will have the steering column integral to the box
source a steering wheel and turn signal parts
replace shocks on all 4 corners
check/replace springs and spring pins at all 4 corners
check/service/flush the rear axle
check front and rear axle bearings and seals also the rear axles themselves for wear in the "c" clip retainer area and the bearing surface area
check the frame for straight and sag
check the frame rivets and cross members for integrity
check/replace the cab mounts
check all the rust areas of the cab and other body parts

I suggest to price it all out and then price out the cost of doing some sort of IFS system and decide which way you want to go.
this is not a complete list, just a good start