[DirtyLarry]

Glad you go it apart easily but I got nothing else to add to your dilemma but I suspect that you are correct in that the closed knuckle/drum brake axle shaft may not be compatible with the disk brake spindle. If you are going for originality with this truck, you would be better off locating drum brake pieces as you mentioned or……locate a complete disk brake front axle with the correct gear ratio to swap in. Not sure what kind of bag of worms that presents with spring perches and steering connections.

Good luck with your project. I wish I could find a 60-66 4x4 to add to the nest. I looked up a picture of your truck in a different thread. Great looking machine!

BTW….welcome to the best GM forum on the web!