By going backwards, I've made progress. . . ?
I removed the under side braces at the front cross-member, both box plates of the mid cross-members, and completely removed the rear cross member. I'll fabricate new bits for what I've removed. The mid cross-members had quite a bit of scale. I'll clean them thoroughly, paint, and use welding primer on the flanges. Frame will need bracing and alignment due to ~1/4" kick-up.
While I was dirty and had the tools out, I cleaned the rear axle housing and transmission. Rear axle disassembly, cleaning, paint, new axle bearings, and new brake hardware are the projects in cue. The pinion and carrier bearings are tight and the oil was clean in the case, so I won't fuss with them.
Clickable thumbnails
