Thinking about new project.....

[Michael_e]

This may have been done before and if so, please point me to the appropriate thread. I skimmed thru the 'Project' area and even tried some searches but came up empty. So here goes....
I've got a 1949 Chevy 3/4 pickup and would like to find a newer chassis/drive train. I sometimes have to tow a good size loaded trailer and it is at or past the limits of my 1/2 ton pickup.
The current wheelbase of the '49 Chevy is close to 126". Does anyone know which 73-87 3/4-1 ton trucks would be close? Also, what was the narrowest dually axle setups for the 73-87 trucks?
I would like to try and keep the tires inside of the front/rear fenders, but if it starts getting really close, I could widen the fenders a bit, or I could maybe add some sort of fender flares or something.
Haven't made any decisions on engine/trans yet, but was thinking about 454 fuel injected vortex/4l80 or maybe a 6.2 diesel/ trans???
Let me know...
Mike