I have a 2004 chevy 2500 6l crew cab short box and would not trade it for anything. ( got the rubber floor option, strongly recommend it) It just hit 160000 and is running strong. It is my daily driver along with a farm truck and expedition rig. its chipped, cold air intake, I have a Radio package( cb, pa and bear cat scanner built into the sunglasses holder over head) 6 work lights off the back and side of the headache rack, and 4 forward facing driving lights. I put airbags on the back. I've been running toyo M55 285/75 R16's on it w/o needing or wanting a lift and no rubbing. I bought this rig in 08 with 20k miles on it.
You have a great looking rig, ill be watching this build.
soon i hope to get the flatbed and bumper built. And a fwc if i find one i like.