Hey guys! Thanks for the fast responses!
Jerry: Thanks for the thoughts on the Dakota. It seems more "truck-like" than the S10 option to me. I've had S10's and other than the engine they're not all that great...I have no interest in a "restomod" as I understand the meaning of the term - big wheels, lowered, v8 power, corvette suspension, etc...and the checkbook has already taken a hit, unfortunately we didn't arrive at what I was hoping the first go-round. Water under the bridge.
Otto: I have read many similar to responses to yours in other threads, and I understand your argument. However please understand I'm not looking for a 75 year old truck to perform like a "modern" vehicle.
I think I summed up my goals pretty well - better ride quality, better brakes, and better gearing spread for drivability. I'm perfectly happy with manual steering and brakes, just want to be safe going 55...and the fuel tank out of the cab so we don't have to smell gas every time we drive! I would probably be fine with a stock-ish 3100, but that's not what came our way...
I don't want a V8, I love inline 6's, I don't want an automatic, and I actually really like the way Spud steers with his solid axle. My goals are a modest improvement in drivability over stock, which doesn't seem like it should be too hard to accomplish. I looked into the Posies super slide front springs but they said they are a no-go with the 235...too heavy.
As I said before, I'm looking at about $2k to redo the suspension and steering, and it seems like that money could be spent to upgrade a few things. After axle fuel tank is $500, I should be able to get a Dakota or S10 truck frame with trans and all for that.
A possible scenario that I have come up with is put a M21 or T5 in, find a 3100 front axle and put discs on, figure something out for rear axle to match bolt pattern but fit 3/4 frame width...but then I'm still stuck with a very rough ride from the front end...
