The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Is this a '53 model frame?

I think I already know the answer, but here goes....
I was told when buying this truck that it was on a '76 chevy frame. After looking at it closely, I believe it is the original frame with a '76 chevy rear end, and cross member/suspension. If you look at the following pics, could you tell me what you think. It seems to me that the cab mounts and spring mounts are not '76 style, and the factory rivets that hold the cab mounts on are intact.
I didn't think it was possible to mount a suspension from another truck without cutting the frame, and these frame rails appear uncut.
Lastly,
I really don't like the way it is lowered (I believe it's on drop spindles), and I'd like the wheels under the fender wells in front. Basically, I want it to look like it came from the factory with the tall skinny tires, sitting up higher----but with a MUCH better ride than the original suspension. Is there a way to do this? Will a mustang II suspension with regular spindles keep the ride height original yet give a good ride? Could I graft on an S10 frame in front?
ALso, since it appears the original rear springs are in the truck. WHy does the modern rear end sit farther back in the fender well?
Sorry for all the questions---eager to learn. Here's the pics:

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/43730/2355125590104021666S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/43125/2903632920104021666S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/21680/2069016390104021666S600x600Q85.jpg
Thanks,
Jason

Perhaps it's me, but I don't see the link to the pics...

Ummm, pix??
It is possible to mount the suspension, there's several here that have done it. Noce thing about the '70s Chevy trucks suspension is that the entire crossmember can be removed from the frame intact, without cutting the frame itself. As far as getting the ride hight up, if the current suspension is working alright, you could go with a set of stock spindles and possibley a set of stock replacement springs to get the ride back up. Going Mustang 2 will most likly make it even lower, rather than raise it. Same goes for the S-10 swap.
On the rearend, it probably wasn't centered correctly on the spring perches, especially if it was converted from spring under to spring over. It should be noted, the factory rearend was not centered in the opening on the AD trucks originally. They were roughly 2 1/2" forward of center.

Sorry guys,
I had to edit my post. I'm not really very good at the url thing. I think it's fixed now.
Thanks for your time,
Jason

The 53 frame is basically straight from front to rear with a slight hump over the rear axle and tapers inward to the front . The front axle had no hump over it. The 76 frame will have a hump over both axles. here is a picture, the frame in the background is a 53 3/4 ton and the frame in the foreground is a 73 3/4 ton.

Thanks monster,
I couldn't see the link but your description was very clear, and I'm even more certain my frame is still '53 vintage.

I'm guessing by the responses above that the only way to make it look stock as far as ride height is to be stock? No way to get a stock ride height and drive decent?
Thanks for your responses,
Jason

58er

The pictures are of a 53 frame that has had the newer front suspension added.

Thanks Lonnie,
Jason