Well, I used to own a 4X4 shop and I did a LOT of conversions. As a matter of fact I know quite a few guys that have bolted 1008 axles under their 1009's. The K30 came in both a 1 ton and 3/4 ton version. A lot of 3/4 ton trucks had the Dana 60 in front. Any truck with a plow package or camper package had it. One of the reasons the Chevys, military or civilian, are so popular for four wheeling is because of the interchangeability of parts. I think what happened to your shackles is just normal wear and tear. They spread with use if they were not cranked down tight and also as the bushings wear and they get side loaded. The steering is a little different but again, it is all bolt on change. One thing to keep in mind, do not do a finale tightening of the spring bolts with the truck in the air. You can tighten the u-bolts all the way but leave the spring shackle bolts just snug until it is on the ground. This will prevent preloading of the bushings which will cause them to fail rather quickly. You mention a machine shop for the u-bolts but a spring shop would be cheaper and most likely have them in stock. Be absolutely sure the u-bolts are tight to the spring while tightening and retighten them a couple of times in the next month, after that you will have no problems.
Rick