As far as swapping IFS and other drive-line mods to the 1-ton, consider the following:
The 1/2 ton pick-up is sort of "stand-alone" as far as the frame & running gear goes.
Six-lug wheels, smaller brakes, axles, kingpins, Torque-tube driveline w/ 4.11 rear.
The 3/4 & 1 ton share lots of running gear parts -front axles, kingpins ,brakes, etc are the same until you get into the one-tons running 18" or 19" rubber, which have the Budd wheels and the hub adapters on the front; eight-lug wheels, open drive shaft, etc.
Rear-end ratios are usually 4.57 for the 3/4, and 5.13 for the 1-ton, however, it is the same axle housing, and you can do punkin' swaps to change the ratio...same punkin through '72; lowest ratio was 3.73 (?).
If your 1-ton is a pick-up, then it probably has the 9-foot box...running boards are scarce, but box hardware is the same for all pre-54 pick-ups; I think it's a neat looking truck (but then I prefer long-boxes).
If you're thinking about IFS for the 1-ton, you'll probably want to use a set-up that would allow you to use eight-lug wheels (same as your rear axle); most 1/2 tons get some sort of transplanted car IFS, with their five-liug wheels.
Also, most 1-tons P.U.s I've seen have 17" wheels; again- neat look, but rubber is a little more expensive.
Ultimately, I'd personally be inclined towards the 1-ton; especially if it's more intact.
EVERYONE seems to have a 1/2 ton....
(Am once again playing "Dr. Frankenstein" and am thinking of building the "ultimate" "stock" AD uber-truck, and plan on using a 1-ton PU for the platform....
)
Enjoy your trucks!
