how bad is the frame that your looking to replace it? If the frame is in good shape, I myself would most likely do a drop axle with a disc brake conversion prior to swapping to IFS. Its retro, cool, and straight forward - plus it fits
I went the IFS route because I got my truck as a pile of parts with the stock drivetrain and suspension removed. Then I took it to the point of making a IFS kit that I can sell.
If your set on IFS for your truck, a purchased cross member for the existing frame is the easiest, followed by building a new frame from scratch (that has the same body mounts as the stock frame), followed by using a different frame and getting it to fit.
Not sure what your choices are for parts vehicles in Alaska. I know that down here, a late model engine from the LQK u-pull-it yards is about $200, a trans is about the same. If your looking to go low$ on driveline, a 96 or later vortec V6 or V8 is a good engine, either keep it EFI or convert them to carb.
