Truck resto questions/concerns...

[Irishpilot]

Hello all, My dad's '71 longbed is now mine and this working truck's time has come to be restored. I'm currently in Iraq right now, so I'm limited to the internet in my search for info prior to starting the project. I need your help in piecing some stuff together. Any help will be appreciated. The current specs are:
All stock '71 long bed (wood bed) with 307 engine turbo 350 tranny. Stock disks in front and rear drums. It also came with the optional rear 'air shocks'. Only rust is a bit under the doors and a little in the drip tab on the cab. I had the rust inspected and it hasn't gone under the windshield so the cab is useable. The bed has no rust but the inside is well used. I was told that it would be more cost effective to buy an OEM bed replacement.

My unanswered questions are as follows:

1. I've looked at the GM parts website and I didn't see a longbed reproduction bed for sale. I've heard that going with aftermarket vendors is risky due to improper fittings. Does GM actually sell a long bed for 67-72 trucks? If not, what is my next best option?

2. I'm looking to bag the truck, not for the slammed look, but for keeping the 4/6" drop while towing my trailer. What are the benefits of bagging the front as well? What are the negatives?

I'm on a time constraint when I get back because I will get redeployed one year after I'm back. So, I've got to swap the engine out, get a new bed, lower with new rims/tires, body work and painted in that time. I'm trying to spend around 20K for that, and then I'll focus on interior and the extras at a later time. I've got a HT 383 with some extra hp goodies that is ready to go, and now I need to find a bed. I am trying to get as much leg work out of the way before I come home. Any help and tips from your experience will be helpful. Thanks!