a 3/4 ton is a nice truck if you are going to leave original, or do small mods to, a 1/2 is easier just because they make more aftermarket supsension, and brake set ups, to shorten the 3/4 you'll have to cut the frame or find a 1/2 ton short anyway, i am a fan of longbeds and original so i would get the 3/4, but for what you are planning on doing the 1/2 may be better suited

1949 Chevy 3600 Flatbed all orginal
1964 gmc 4000
1973 gmc 6000
2005 chevy duramax 4x4
1994 chevy 1500
Trucks are GM and Tractors are Orange

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom." - General George S. Patton