pics arent linking because you thought cummins with a "g" was cute and adding cab lights to a SRW truck. No rice allowed here
I'm sure someone mentioned it by now, but OCD requires me to bring it up anyway. That wasn't a SM465 that came out of that truck, it's a NP435.
Just curious, why not box the frame? Seems like a lot of work to leave the shitty part of the truck like that?
The only issues with the frames are the usual steering box mounting stress and rust. For normal use they are fine, if you are going for maximum power or durability to beat on it, then I would consider boxing at least some parts. Otherwise, I'd roll on. At least with an open channel frame you can keep it clean and not worry about hidden rot.