But I want to achieve this lift with a regular 1/2-ton (maybe Dana 44 sized) solid axle out front (even if it requires retubing) supported by leaf springs, sort of like a Jeep CJ–style ...

Solid-axle swaps for IFS 4x4s. But this is nothing new, and especially not for fullsize IFS Chevys. At least a dozen companies offer leaf-spring solid-axle conversion kits. Yet, how many coil ...