As for your engine, I just completed my build, so with experience, I know that it would take a lot of money and time to go with something other than a 22r. Lots of fabricating, time and money. If you want a good reliable engine, stick with the 22re, this would save lots of time and of course, money.
If you really want the power and speed of the 4.3 or 2.7, just be prepaired to park your truck for quite some time to do this, and dont think about going out for awhile, you will be saving every dollar.