There are plenty of 8 lug wheels that will work and look sporty on your truck. If you want a 1/2 ton instead of a 3/4 ton, TRADE! It will be less work.
Without changing the gears, you can do much better by installing an overdrive, or an overdrive transmission. An A833 as mentioned is a great choice as well as an NV4500 5 speed. Both of those transmissions have a 0.73:1 final drive, which will cut your rpm by 27%. Both are stout transmissions. The NV4500 has the advantage of having a granny gear for getting those heavier loads rolling.
