[LS short box]

I'm thinking leave the brakes off and in box until you are ready to bolt them on for good. If you need the chassis rolling just make a dolly for the front and rear axles so you can move it around as needed.
On my 68 C10 project I did the frame first. Sand blasted and epoxy primer. With the frame bare I stood up against my shop wall so it took up almost no room. Rear axle and front suspension cleaned and primed same thing. When I was ready after about 18 months I bought all brake stuff so it had no chance of rusting.
Good luck with your project.