Jerry,
Remember me? Jay, your cuz? Both born in '59?
I presently have the old sheet metal that I removed from the bed under the truck.
Yep, I'm literally a "shade tree" mechanic.
The idea of lifting the cab is appealing. I do remember your swivel beam method and that is my current plan. Plywood under the hoist won't work as well due to the way my yard is set up. (Too much to explain!

)
Helicopter is my 2nd option but I'm willing to hear other ideas.