Alright - another Portlander! Straight axle up front will suit you just fine and an 8 lug disk brake setup is relatively easy to fab as well.
I have a 4400 that has excellent road manners and see no need to change it. If you take the time to do king pins, tie rod ends and draglink ends . . . AND if you really go all out go with radials - it will steer like a dream.
