1957 gmc shorted suspension/frame options help

[Missyblue]

Hello all I am hoping for any advice or insight if you are willing. My dad and I have picked up a 57 stepside truck and we have a 93 chevy donor truck with 350 5.7 engine and auto transmission. The And that's about it. I have a million questions but thought i would start with this. Our frame is really clean and would like to keep it and just consider suspension upgrades on a reasonable poor dirt farmer minded budget haha but want to make sure I'm not missing a reasonable option since I know I won't do a frame off later now is the time. We just don't have 10k for a rolling chassis. My 1st priority is to get us safe (disk break upgrades) soften the ride and running 1st so my dad can enjoy it. He lost his years back and I bought this so I'm trying to help him replace it. Sorry to jabber..... I have read about different front clips used and other options just hoping for advice as to what is economical and works best. My dad can do some welding and things but I don't want to make him work too hard since he's 66 with some beat up shoulders.
Thanks in advance for any advice you have or even post threads that might help