Need opinions: 64 GMC LWB slight drop air suspension

[GMCMG]

Here it is: I have read as much as I can in the forums, and still don't know how best to do this. Information overload, maybe?

I have a 64 GMC LWB I am building on a 66 C20 frame (for the trailing arms), and have recently purchased a '82 1/2 ton chassis for the rear axle, front crossmember/disc/5 lugs. My project budget is now shot all to heck, as my wife is pregnant with our first child. I had planned on 'whatever it needs', as this is my first build and I have been saving for it for a while (thus all the donor parts). I had also originally planned on a (mostly) stock stance. The '66 I bought for the frame had been STATIC dropped by the PO - he removed all the springs and let it sit on the bump stops - what a rough ride (what was he thinking?).

Long story short, I fell in love with the stance of a lowered truck. I live in a rural area, so super lowered/layin frame is not ideal - I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere.

I would like to maintain roughly the stance the '66 had when sitting on the bump stops; a little higher would be acceptable. I am now definitely on a budget, but I figure I can do it pretty cheap at ***************** or similar. I am even willing to do my setup with shrader valves for now, but would love to go ahead and set up with a compressor/tank.

I am after a very comfortable ride, and that 'on the bumps' stance. I will be installing a 6.2 diesel in this, so my engine will be a couple hundred pounds heavier. What I want to know:

1) can I do this drop with bags, and acheive a comfortable ride at this stance without drop spindles?

2) what is the best brand to go with for air ride? I have read many comments both ways on lots of brands; I don't mind spending a little more for quality, even if I have to save up a while to do it.

3) what kit/components do I need to attach my '82 leaf spring axle to my '66 trailing arm frame?

4) what height air bags/components do I need? There are so many options out there, and I really don't know what's best.

5) what should I replace on the '82 front crossmember? It has only 130k miles, but 28 years.

6) best places to go for price/quality for everything?

7) what other questions should I be asking?

If anyone has done exactly this setup before and was very happy with what they did, I would appreciate a point in the right direction to include part numbers/vendors/install tips. I have the '66 frame bare right now, ready for paint, and would like to be ready to do any fabbing/welding soon.

Also, if anyone sees any problems with my planned course of action, now is the time to put in your two cents! I haven't spent any money on this suspension yet, and it is open to change. The biggest reasons I love this board is the access to opinions, knowledge from others experience, and discussions from every angle. I have only just begun my project, and have already learned a lot - this board rocks!

Thanks!