Reality Check
If you're handy with tools , go find a decent running truck with the engine and tranny you like , that's all rusted out or wrecked , buy it complete and have at it ~ remove the hood & radiator , rent or borrow a cherry picker and do it . lotsa labor but not overly difficult , having the junker truck handy means all those niggly little bits necessary to make a good job of it , will be right there .
Happily , GM made the frames standard to suit almost any engine and tranny combo so this is do-able on a DIY basis .
Take notes and be ready to repair / change wiring harness and plumbing etc.
to suit .