The Italeri/Revell Aeromax was the first modern big rig I'd ever built....It's pretty straight forward and builds up pretty nice.....I don't know if you've ever built Italeri rigs, before, but I believe the only thing to be ready for is the need to heat a screwdriver tip or something else to assemble the front suspension....Otherwise, You'll find them much better fitting than AMT kits.....They can be very addicting.....
As far as the tanker, I've built that kit, as well, but never tried to replace the suspension or anything, but it goes together nicely if you assemble it box stock....I have converted the six wheel supers they use with tandems and that's not too difficult to do.....