It is also something I have thought about. After delving into many different years of trucks, the '99 and newer GM 1500 2wd trucks have great clearance, rack & pinion steering, and will lay a huge wheel and tire combo. Let's not even mention the amount of off the shelf big brake kits available for the newer trucks. My truck is a square body 5 lug so something to take into consideration is the need to swap to a 6 lug rear axle and brakes should anyone decide the newer front clip is the way to go.
As for that Tony guy...he has no idea what he's talking about. His chick told me so one cozy night...