Not sure if you ever got but I've had real great luck with USA1 Industries GMC Chevy Truck Parts and I would have to recommend them and prices for the quality isn't bad. Most of the stuff is US based as well.
1973-87 Chevy & GMC Truck OE Upper Control Arm Assembly
1973-87 Chevy & GMC Truck OE Lower Control Arm Assembly
Good luck!!!!
Thats awesome. I don't know if this problem is solved but the VIN should tell you most of what you want to know.
If it is a true 79 and up it is going to be located at the windshield under the dash pad. There should be a cut out to show it. If you don't see one there but you know it's a 79 and the dash is completely solid. I would recommend pulling the dash because someone may have just put a 73-78 dash which looks the same except that cut out.
Here goes a couple of links to help you out.
1973-1980 GMC Chevy Truck Vin Decoder
Chevy Trucks by Year