Hey Don,
There are critical issues that need to be addressed before making the decision to change chassis. First, what are you wanting the truck to do, are you going to use it as a daily driver, work truck i.e. pulling trailers and such, hot rodded etc. After you determine the use then you will get a more definite answer to your question. Leaving your question too open ended you will get answers that may not reflect the intent of your question.
I ended up changing my chassis to a 78 1-ton for my 51 GMC because I intend to use it to pull a gooseneck horse trailer and hopefully another truck one day. I had also thought about a travel trailer when I retire( a long way away from now) I also had a drivable 78 that was easily accessible for the donor frame that aided in the decision. I have thought that if I did another ton truck I would try to modify the IFS on a newer truck to bolt to the original frame. I like the heavier trucks because they are trucks and not cars. I have used the search feature and the gallery to see what others have done. Below is link to another post about frame swaps.
another post about frame swaps The ultimate goal is for you to have another AD truck on the road and carrying on the legacy.
