Are late model truck parts hot rod worthy?

Howdy from Austin, TX ! I ask you all knowing craftsman, are late model truck parts hot rod worthy ? Every day I sit behind big pick-ups in Austin rush hour and gaze underneath the those giant trailer hitches and look at what would appear to be awesome parts. Huge center sections with thick axle tubes, large rotors and calipers. Heck, those big Fords even have the shocks right next to the differential, both on the back looking like a pro-street rig. Knock off a few inches on each side and use the truck frame for blueprints and I'm on the road to coolness ? What is it I'm missing ? They just look bulletproof and there must be a reason I cant use them. What is it ?  

It's an inertia and weight thing.  Yeah they are tough, but by the time you get the axles customized to your car it will probably be cheaper to have moser or some other company custom build you a 9" Ford or 12-bolt chevy.  For any racing the parts weigh more so they'll soak up more horsepower to get turning and get the vehicle moving.  I've though about this with a GM Truck 14-bolt, it doesn't make sense after all the costs.  
-
The Silver Buick- '77 Skylark coupe w/ a Fuel Injected Buick 455&TKO-600, '72 Centurion Conv't - 455w/TH400, '67 T-bird 4Dr (suicide) w/428&C6. Needing to replace a '69 Firebird 400.

http://www.bangshift.com/forum/index.php?topic=6189.0

Silver Buicks reply is right on. Not to mention the newer parts are going to cost more for aftermarket goodies if they even make them. With the right parts older parts can become bullet proof. I'm still using my gm 10 bolt with gobs of goodie parts in it its proven to be more than I require.  
THERE ARE 2 KINDS OF CHEAP PARTS..THOSE YOU SCORE FOR A CHEAP PRICE AND THOSE THAT ARE CHEAP MADE.

Thanks guys. I knew it couldnt be that easy. Another bubble burst.