Sounds like you need to address the kingpins. Good tight kingpins will quiet a frontend down pronto, as well as improving handling. Hopefully you justneed new bushings as they are the 1st to go.
Also check the leaf spring shackles and their bushings to make sure all is tight and lubed up.
My 49 rides like a, well, 49 1/2ton pickup truck but theres no bangs or bumps since I've addressed and repaired what I've recommended.
