If you're leaning toward original, then I think you're on the right track. There is in my opinion no advantage to lowering the truck nor to trying to make the AD into an S10. I don't know where in south Arkansas you are, but aside from the interstate connecting Texarkana to Little Rock, you have mostly good roads. I'd listen to Jerry's advice and also what MiraclePieCo said. If you remove a couple of spring leaves, you will lower the truck just a bit, but not by a lot. If your springs are correct, they'll work well. If they're dirty, rusty, etc...they won't work quite as well but they can be improved. Here is another thing: your truck's steering and frame were designed by very smart people. Everything about those two items was given careful thought and the dynamics of the frame alone are quite interesting. Restored to like new condition, it all works well for what the vehicle is and there is a definite and enduring charm to it.
As for A/C, you bet. That is a really nice addition, and if you use a well-designed unit (like the ones made and sold by Old Air Products in Ft. Worth), you will have a fine system that could be removed if some future owner wanted the truck to be original again. Along with A/C, please consider a short shaft water pump, a very good electric fan (Spal are the best in my opinion) and an alternator.
There are other alterations you can make to the truck which no matter where you live will make the truck nicer, safer and more pleasant to drive. Hope you enjoy the forum. There is a wealth of helpfulness and good information around here.
