don't know how it goes for the old C-10. But I've seen some guys with not a lot of money to spent on air bag suspension buy some shorter springs and shocks, this might lower it the way you want without many mods.

Also a older engine with high miles could use a good going through and possibly a rebuild. If not that, start with a new water and oil pump, replace leaking and old, cracked seals. as for proformance, start with a new carb and intake, then exhaust. after that then mess with cams, heads, you know the more expensive and techical problem prone stuff. also, when you buy, go for quality and value, in other words, buy something that will last, but just keep in mind that it dosen't have to be the best money can buy. This, I think, will help you build a ride that looks, and runs great, for less, but is at the same time as good as MR. Hight dollar's ride.

Just a few words of wisdom, I hope it helps ya