50 front suspension upgrade for 3/4 ton

[pa_snowman]

i want to upgrade my 50 3/4 ton to front disk brakes and independant suspension but keep the 8 lugs. i am going to use the origional rear axle. i am thinking of trying to use a 1 ton chevy van front crossmenber and narrow it. has anyone tryed this or heard of it being done. the other option is to get a suspention kit and try to upgrade it to the heaver control arms and spindles.
this truck actually belogs to my wife truck and she wants to drive it. anyone have any ideas to make this done easier?