Thanks to the advice of a few expert on-line coaches, I have now fully removed the front sheet metal, motor, and transmission. I have a couple hundred pictures and many many labeled zip locks / boxes / etc. Hope that helps eventually.

I really wasn't ready to do this project, but the old y-block and t-98 were just too sick to continue. Now that I am into it, I am enjoying it, but really anxious to get back on the road in (I enjoy driving it even more). I'm hoping for a 6 month project....

To help me get this done efficiently, I have two questions....

First, the cab is still on. It's underside (gas tank, floor and frame) is in pretty good shape (thanks to many hours of under-the-truck work from last winter). I really do NOT want to take the cab off, but I don't want to re-assemble everything and then take it apart again next year to replace cab mounts. So.... is there a way I can tell if the cab mounts are good to go (at least for a while) or not. I don't see any issues with the way the cab sits today (pics below), and I can take some pics of the mounts themselves... with a little guidance of what to try and capture in the pic. If they do need replaced... do I have to take the cab off to replace them?

Second, the growing list below includes all of the things I plan to do, and in the order I'm currently planning to do them. I would appreciate any advice about either re-ordering my steps, or something I should look out for in any of them. Thanks in advance for taking your time to help me get this done right. BTW, my end goal for this truck is a solid running, comfortable truck that looks almost exactly like the pic of drivers side below... I don't want to change its well-earned look.

Planned steps:
(1) Media blast front frame, firewall (engine bay), and removed stock steering components.
(2) Paint front frame and firewall
(3) Re-install stock steering (replacing worn parts/shocks, adding sway bar, Toyota PS, and MAYBE lowering a bit by removing a spring or two)
(4) Prep/Primer interior firewall
(5) Add ABS Interior firewall cover
(6) Install New Wiring Harness/Gauges, etc
(7) Re-install heather box and/or start AC Install ... (AC may be out of budget)
(8) Install Motor / Trans ... assuming I've actually landed firmly on 302/AOD or Y-block/T98 by then
(9) Drive Shaft adjust (if 302/AOD)
(10) Finish up PS and AC (if done)
(11) Header/Exhaust
(12) Drive for a while, until I'm ready to tack the rear-end / bed projects

NOTE: Rear end is Dana 44 with 4:27 gears. I think it'll be fine for the 302/AOD, and I'll live with it in the 292/T98 scenario, until I'm ready to get higher gears (one way or the other).

 

You can look at your cab mounts and see if the rubber is compressed or dry rotted. If either is the case, replacement will be a good idea. With the front sheet metal off, it is going to be much easier to remove the bolts, raise the cab slightly, replace the rubber bushings, and bolt back in place. If you're planning to do it whether it needs it or not, you might as well do it now.

Your list looks good, except I'd do the exhaust before fussing with PS and AC. Those items will be in the way while working on exhaust.

Your truck is looking good.