Suggestions on 3/4 Ton, airbag ???'s

[earl84]

Apologize in advance for the long post, but if you can bear with me and offer suggestions, I would be extremely grateful.
I have a 66 C20 longbed that I just bought. It's a little rough, all primer gray and has a lot of little things to fix and the brakes are non-existent. Working on brakes right now to get it on the road and just drive for a while. I want to eventuallly lower it about 3-4 inches in front and 4-5 inches in back. I want to keep the ability to use it as a driver, Home Depot hauler and occasional towing duties.
I have a bit of a dilemma. I sort of want to keep it 3/4t cuz not a lot of people have them. Well, it has the Eaton HO52 rear end, that is actually in pretty good shape with 4.10 gearing, but upon closer inspection, seems like it might require new pinion seal and possible bearing. Those are very expensive for this rear end. Plus it has 8 lug, 16.5 inch rims. I measured the bolt pattern and it is 8 X 6.5", and I want to end up with steel wheels painted body color with baby moons. Limited options on tires with that size rim. However, I believe that the steel rims can be found in more traditional 15, 16, or 17 inch size. I also want to upgrade to disk front brakes.
I have to do this in stages, and for the next 6 months, money is a little bit of an issue, but after that, I will have more to spend, assuming I stay healthy and don't lose my job. So here is what I was thinking. 1)Get it driveable, with brakes (I already have the parts and am almost done installing almost entire new brake system) 2)Buy some old steel wheels in more normal size and get new tires and baby moons. 3)Find a donor truck or a junkyard 3/4 ton, 73-87 model and swap in the front crossmember and rear axle (but I don't know how they ride, anyone? Can I use 1/2 ton springs for a softer ride?) And will a 3/4 ton donor have 8 lug wheels on front and rear? 4)Get lowered spindles and springs to get it down a little 5)Once the mechanicals and stance are OK, start on bodywork, etc.
And am I crazy to keep it 3/4ton since the 8 lug will be covered up with baby moons anyway? Would you just swap to 1/2 ton and be done with it? Seems like an easier alternative, but I lose some unique cool points, haha.

OOOORR, should I just get new wheels and get an air bag setup, starting with Schrader valves to keep costs down and upgrading later to full setup, and while I am at it just keep the front suspension and get a kit to upgrade to new spindles and disk brakes and find a new rear axle? If I use an airbag setup to lower the stance, will it be strong enough for towing. Sounds kind of stupid, since big rigs use them. The whole idea seems sort of easy on the surface, but are there hidden pitfalls I am unaware of?
I suspect some of my questions will be answered by strolling around a few junkyards and seeing what is available, but these things have been rattling around in my head and I thought I would post a super long thread that will probably lose most readers by the time they get to the end
Any thoughts, ideas, comments are greatly appreciated.

[N2TRUX]

You need to decide what "you" really want. If it were me, I would convert it to half ton suspension and bag it. The air bags will allow you to carry a load when necessary.

Get the brakes fixed, then buy a C10 donor and get it low, smooth, and cool.

[Pro Performance]

I agree with N2Trux.... it all depends on what you want do with it. Switching to 1/2T suspension and either air bagging or going with a static drop would be ideal, in my opinion. Easier to source part, in regards to spindle, brakes & wheels (5-lug).

[moregrip]

I'm somewhat in the same boat but planning on sticking with the 8lug mainly because i already have $$ invested in street wheels/rear end/ drag wheels etc etc.
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[earl84]

Thanks for taking the time to read and the responses. I am going to visit a couple junkyards today and tomorrow and check out what is available for donors. Pretty sure I am going to swap over to 1/2 ton with bags in the end. Have been searching Craigslist for a cheap donor and there have been a few possibilities.
For the immediate future, continue working on brakes (Front half is done, along with splitting front and rear) and get it on the road for a while. Need something to haul all those future parts in.
Thanks again for your suggestions.

[earl84]

Oh, BTW, moregrip, I have been to Point Mugu before. Beautiful area. Are you in the Navy? I am retired Army as of Nov '09.

[502ms]

I agree. Go 1/2 ton. Easier wheel options, you can still tow with it if you bag it, and drive it....(fix the brakes, of course).

Here is some inspiration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86Ez...=results_video

[N2TRUX]

If your looking for 73-87 donors, don't forget that Burbs are a great source and they made a gazillion of them all the way to 91. Good luck.