A early 50's Chevy car isn't a very good handler,the front suspension has poor geometry.
Better handling comes primarily from lowering the vehicle,getting rid of the high ride height.There are limits on lowering the stock solid axle front end,but it can be lowered a few inches by using monoleafs, And the addition of a front sway bar makes a huge improvement as does replacing the metal suspension bushings with urethane bushings.
Jeep Grand Cherokees had solid front axles until just the last few years,the solid axle model handle as well as any IFS SUV.Indy race cars had solid axles,front and rear,up into the 60's.
On smoother pavment,a straight front axle vehicle can handle quite well if the suspension is well thought out.
The bottom line,are you gonna use the truck to carve through turns like a sports car? or just like the lowered look?
