Where to Start

I would definately do the brakes first if it's going to be daily driven. good setup is late a-body(73-76) manual disk front with new master cylinder. As far as the rest of the suspension goes - new shocks, and a good alignment should be all you need unless the rear leaf springs are sagging bad. Maybe a PST front end rebuild kit if money allows. Oh yeah and good tires.

In my opinion I wouldn' t start with the engine/trans swap until you have the money to do it the way you want it.

Never underestimate the /6 they are good for cruising.

my 2 cents