I like the mustang II style streetrod frontends alot, I have one under my race truck and have one under the 34 dodge roadster PU that I am doing right now, plenty of after market parts available for them(dropped spindles,bigger brakes,power racks).
but if you want to keep it all mopar, I would find a reasonably priced Dakota chassis and drop your truck on it and then you have a great modern chassis,steering and brakes.
its not that hard to make cab and bed mounts.
I have my 46 coe mounted on one and I have another one that will be going under a 47 dodge panel truck.

or you could just use the dakota front clip, just cut it off and graft it to yours Ron...