72 C10 700R4 swap, some odd questions.

[muddpile]

Due to the fact that I blew up my "good" TH350 this summer and am now running on a very stock and very sloppy freebie unit, I've decided that once the snow flies I'll be bolting in a 700R4, the problem being I'm not sure what all that entails. Here's some information:
-72 C10 LWB
-Later model suburban 12 bolt diff w/ approx. 3.23 gears
-One-piece driveshaft
-Long-tailshaft TH350 (total length of case/tailshaft is 30")
-Late 70's van tilt with column shifter (key in dash)
-Edelbrock performer carb/intake
-Tranny cooler integral in rad

I think that's about it. There might be a FAQ on this, but I can't seem to find it, so here's a few questions:
-Are all 700's created equal? I heard once the newer ones are built better?
-What is the length and girth, and will I need other modifications? (driveshaft, tranny tunnel, crossmember, etc.)
-Does my column shift hook up the same way, and does someone sell a shift indicator with the extra "Circle D" on it?
-I understand there's some minor electronics involved, but know nothing about them?

I think that's about it, any help at all would be GREAT! Thanks!