Questions on upgrading my 59 Apache

[micromage]

I have a 59 Apache 1/2 ton step side long bed. I'm having a new 350 SB built for it. It will be over 500HP!! It will have a 400R build up tranny. My questions are these:
1) What yr. and type of car/truck can I exchange my rear axle to for better gears and the 5 lug pattern?
2) What yr. and type car/truck can I get 5 lug disc's from to replace my 6 lug drums up front?
3) The new motor has a power steering pump on it. How can I get the stock steering converted to power cheaply?

Any suggestions can be emailed to me at [e-mail]

Thank you very much in advance for any help you might offer!

[tsorby]

Most people I've heard of are useing the mid 80's S-10 trucks, or ? camero's. Other are doing the bad F word vehicle FxxD. I would try and at least use Chevy/Chevy. But, that's my opinion.

[nokit57]

I used a '78 trans am front clip on mine and a '92 camaro rearend. Then you can use the disc brakes from a camaro, chevelle, nova. The rearend had the disc brakes. The clip has to be cut as well as the front of your truck which takes a lot of measuring on both to make sure that it is square, spot weld and measure again. There are some good articles on the net to see how to do this. Multiple cars can be used for donors. I would suggest the mustang ll as you can get it as a bolt in or welded. I believe in the long run you would come out cheaper. brotherstrucks.com, has tech articles, so does classictrucks.com, there are numerous sites you can get help from. trifive.com is a good one. Hope this helps.