[57tailgater]

I'd agree it looks like someone took some '70's Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 components under there to convert from 2 wheel drive. The front shock mount is a typical multi-shock mount for the day. Those 70's trucks had the steering box on the outside of the frame but those frames also narrowed towards the front as well. The steering shaft was a typical mod going through an inner fender as well. It also looks like someone removed the original crossmember (that goes across in the approximate bellhousing area) probably to provide clearance for the transfer case and front driveshaft. Some people are not too concerned about this but there's not much left there for frame rail support and the extreme drop in the mount for the transmission/transfer case would make me a little leery about lateral strength in that area. Note cab mounts and the front spring rear hangers are in that area too. The big drop is also probably to keep the front driveshaft angle minimal.The rod under the front axle is an axle truss to help keep the axle from bending from upward forces while doing your whoop-de-dos.