I've been chipping away at it slowly but somewhat steadily. Heres a cpl pics of axle parts laying all over...
I started cutting brackets off the axle that are in the way or no longer needed.
I ordered some bits and pieces that will help me out with the cage and transfer case mounting in the near future from DIY4X. I'm hoping its $118 well spent. Total spent up to $5178 now.
Those are cage mounts with anti sheer pins and yes I could have made them myself but the cost isn't bad and saves me time and drill bits and cutting wheels/blades. The items on top right are for the transfer case mount. Since I'm changing that crossmember for the tranny and the OEM transfer case mount is in the frame rail I think this will make a great substitute and strengthen it up.
http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=202
The first order of steel tubing and the channels I need for my frame sandwich should be ready today to pick up. It won't be all I need but a big start. I don't have a cost for that yet but will update later.
I ordered it thru a guy I know here in town that has a welding business. Free delivery and he has the nice big hydraulic brake for custom bending the C channels I need to fit in the frame rails. He goes thru a lot of DOM tubing himself but not for building on trucks/cars. He's also my go to guy for any major welding I'm not equipped or skilled enuf for myself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VrFV5r8cs0