3/4 ton LWB needs front discs and a 2.5 - 3" drop.

[tow rig]

I have a 1970 GMC C2500 Pickup with leaf spring rear suspension. I am trying to find the best way to add disc brakes and drop the front 2.5"+. My critical parameters on this project are:

1) I don't want to push the front wheels out 3/4" per side.
2) I want to retain 8 lug wheels all of the way around, and the ability to use the truck for serious work and towing. (This vehicle will tow my 23 foot boat - heavy load and substantial tongue weight.)

One problem is - that any combination of factory parts will change the track width significantly. Trying to find a set of 8 lug wheels that look at home on a 2 wheel drive truck is difficult enough without dealing with offset issues.

Another problem is that the only modular (maintain drum brake front track width) drop spindles for the 3/4 ton - seem to be designed to convert the front end to 5 or six lug wheels. The press-in axle on the spindle will not fit an 8 lug disc.

Is there a way to get everything that I want? Can I press out the 5/6 lug axles (from the spindle,) and machine a set of 8 lug disc axles to press into the resulting hole? Are 8 lug disc brake axles available for purchase? Do factory 8 lug disc brake spindles have press-in axles? Can I just take a pair of 5 or 6 lug discs and redrill them for 8 lug studs? Is there a control arm based solution available?
If anybody has experience with this combo, an opinion, or an idea that hasn't occurred to me, please point me in the right direction.