Need advice/help on body drop 55 TF

[danheit]

Hey guys, kinda at a crossroads, and could really use a fresh perspective. I'm gonna ask a question, so with your response, please include a WHY you would go that way. OK, here it is:

on my 1955 2nd series TF, I am putting a late model frame under the truck (that's happening, so take the "choose another frame" out of the equation). Long story short, I am using a 90 model GMC frame, which is just about a perfect fit, EXCEPT where the frame curves up for the rear wheels/bed area. I have two options to mount the cab to this frame. I can either build 4 new body mounts that raise the cab up high enough (4.5") to where I need to make no cab modifications, and can bolt directly to the cab's original mounts, keeping in mind that I won't show a whole lot of frame due to the way the steps come down. I may only show about 3-4 inches of frame under the truck. That's the easiest route IMO, and I have already built and welded the rear mounts to the frame. That was the hard part. Next is just build a front set, quick and easy, and call it a day, drop the cab down, bolt it on and go.

My other option is to cut out the center portion of the cab floor for the driveshaft to run through (will not effect my bench seat) and cut out two small recesses in the rear of the cab for the 5-6" of frame that curve upwards, and remove the 90's tank and exhaust system and find new places for them.

Here's my dilemma: I really do believe that the truck will look better sitting on the frame, all the way down. With the lowering that has already been done to the suspension, I will be about 3 inches off the ground. I need to replace my front floors anyways, but will have to do a WHOLE lot more fab work to make the body sit right, have to find a new place to mount the tank, if not get a whole new tank, and will have to reroute the exhaust, as it currently sits in about the same spot as the fuel tank, just on the opposite side of the frame. So, looks better, lots more work, possibly lots more money that I don't have

-OR-

Not have the truck sit as low, be roughly 7.5-8 inches off the ground, but be done with mounting the body and be that much closer to getting to drive it. I have all the materials to finish this job, I have already figured out the mounts for the front, really not a whole lot left to do, and I won't have to start over from scratch.

This is not being built to be a show truck, just something loud and beat up that goes fast, and can double as a pickup truck for me when I need it.