matador 
a general ratio is 55% over wheels 15-20 % tounge and 25-30% on rear.
keep heaviest stuff on axels. the reason for less on tougne is it keeps less weight on bumper. meaning less on shocks and springs. meaning bigger load.
i load bed before trailer because it gives counter weight to rear of trailer and helps with traction and helps you plan the majority of the load on the trailer.
next is over axels then i split between front and back as required to level the bumper.
to much weight forward and you ruin suspension and risk breaking an axel. to much back and you you have no traction as it lifts the rear end of the truck and strains the reciever or bumper or in severe cases with a old rusty truck the frame between bed and cab.
you need proper tires to do the job too. trailer tires have a stronger sidewall enabling a bigger load then car and truck tires and can skid or turn better without damage. also check pressures and keep them at max pressure or a little over on heavy loads.
i usually run regular lt truck tires on my truck but when i find them cheap and with good tread i preffer load range E tires or 10 plies. i have required a more agressive tire that cleans better for my last few jobs so have been using all terain tires which can be difficult to get in higher load range. i suggest firestone transforce E range if you want good ballance between them. good snow ice and mud traction and heavy sidewalls for loads.
also look at getting load helpers or if you got a solid frame and can handle the rougher ride add coil springs / coil overs or swap to a set of 3/4 springs. the shocks are essentially the same.
brakes ( bigger, heavier duty ), springs ( 2-4 more leafs) and heavier frame (thicker by about 1/8") is the big difference between 1/2 & 3/4 tons. halfs get alot better milage normally due to exta weight on same drive train.
motor wise 400, 350, 327, 305, and 283 are essintially same motor block. 283 parts makes a 307. use 327 parts and make a 317. 400 and make a poor mans 383. just because your 305 is smaller and doesnt eat the gas the bigger v8s do dont let them fool you into thinking it cant work for its fuel. a little work and it can melt the tires off with thier over expensive gas guzzling crate motors. only difference is you have cheaper parts because you didnt build as commonly used of a motor and wont have the mainence bills that comes with it.
above it was suggested to squirrel for damage and i do agree. brakes get hit harder, it is extra strain on tranny and motor as well as steering / suspention parts get hit hard by towing. a fact of towing.
You figure mainance costs for your truck right? you will hear various numbers and amounts you should save. I save a % of each load for mainence and upgrades. This will also potentially allow you to save for another truck & trailer too.
mine is 10% i squirrel away for truck or car use and 15-20% for truck / trailer.
you haul more with a trailer and make more money. i average about $150-300 per load of white goods (appliances) and would be at $30-60 with a just truck. by the time i figure gas costs i can make 1 trip for 2 mpg less with a trailer than the 4-5 required for same space.
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