Axle is in for good.
Tow hooks cleaned up and painted.
Sand blasted all the attachment points on the frame and got the shackle mounts welded to crossmember and everything welded in.
Rear mounts welded on and used what was trimmed off the shackle mounts to gusset to the frame.
If the truck was in better shape and I cared more I would probably remove the cab mounts and build an inagrated cab/spring mount.
Stock D35 driveshaft bolted right in after I scrounged up bolts for the t case side....I may swap for the longer D28/35 hybrid shaft I have since it's about an inch longer. The D35 shaft is pretty stretched out after bolting it in.
Hybrid shaft on top, standard D35 shaft on bottom
4x4 Shifter clears well enough in low
Calipers, pads, and rotors mounted up
Pulled the cover to inspect, seal, and add oil. Looked minty
Went on a test drive (brakes and shocks are unnecessary) and it was smooth as butter...but to be honest I think I'll be figuring out a track bar before returning to full-time DD duty.
Next up is frame repair/reinforcement and shock mounts. I cut out the soft bits so far. Next I'll sandblast, paint with zinc/weldable primer and then plate it. I should be able to weld it from both sides on this side of the truck.
Then brake lines will be the final task.