Congrats to both of you! Welcome! From what you both describe, it sounds like you both have a plan, and that's a good start. As far as exciting said plan, just take it bit by bit, like eating an elephant. You might just suprise yourselves on working on the trucks. Unlike vehicles today, the vx has room to work around the engine bay, and you can actually see 80%+ of the engine, not just the top. I would start with anything to do with engine, the most important part, and go from there. Do a good seafoam oil flush, and then go to synthetic. New PVC,air filter, maybe plugs, etc. Then just like I said, weekend projects on universals, bearings, tran, diff.... In no time you will have things sounding and feeling like they should. Although it is never all done. These trucks seem to need to be maintained more than most, but I know for me, it is kinda self induced because I like things to be proper, and I really do enjoy working on the vx. Plan on keeping it forever, so I try and maintain it to do so!
Good luck!