I went through the same thing when I began modifying the interior of my 91 F250 super cab 4x4.I neede something to house the CD changer,11 meter radio & linear amp,power ports,etc. I ended up building a console that runs from the rear of the seats(leaving enough room to still fold down the rear seat)all the way past the front of the seats and up to the uder side and front of the dash(basicaly covering uo the ash tray section).Then I relocated the cigarete lighter to 3 individualy fused lighted power ports.I was able to install everything I listed above plus still have plenty of room in the lift up portion of the center.I raised it up higer than the stock console(I made it as high as the armrest on the doors).I then lifted the rear seat with an aftermarket kit to make room the stereo amplifiers. The console was not hard or expensive to build,I used 1/2 clear pine wood screws and epoxy wood glue and just placed it in position with every new modification and drove with it for a while to see how everything fit,when I was finally happy with the design,I sanded and added contours to it to make it fit and look factory designed, I then covered it with fiberglass and resin to make it super strong, then took it to an auto upholsterer and had it covered in a cloth that almost perfectly matches the dash material,the upholstery cost me $125 and he did a great job. Most important it has every thing I need built into it,power for cell phone,computer & GPS, the interior lights up when opened,and my CDs have there own little cubbie hole.It was a fun project and I get lots of compliments(and requests to build them).
Jeff