Get it going as is first. Then consider different gears and brakes later.

I haven’t had a 1/2 ton but from what my friends do with them swapping in a late 50’s rear for open drive line and also faster gears with or without an OD transmission depending seems like a wise choice for driving longer distances. I’d probably want a 4 speed and 3.55 axle. However original will still get you wherever you’d want to drive just at a comfortably slower pace.
If adding disc brakes I’d keep same bolt pattern and find old 16” wheels.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-