We ran into a problem with the two small rear crossmembers that will need to be rectified before the suspension components are installed. They're both a bit tweaked and need to be replaced. For now, they're simply removed and cast aside. | 
The front leaf spring brackets mount using the same four bolt holes as the original and face forward on the outside of the framerail. There is also an additional hole on the bottom of the bracket that requires the framerails to be drilled using a 3/8-inch bit. A total of six 3/8-24x1 1/4-inch bolts, Nylok nuts, and washers attach the two front brackets to the framerails. | 
The rear shackle brackets also bolt up using the original rivet holes. Notice that the orientation of the bracket is opposite of the front, this time facing the rear. |
Here's our brand-new Currie 9-inch rear. We went with their Hot Rod-style housing and had them weld on the spring pads as well at 39 3/4-inch center with a pinion angle of 5 degrees up. | 
The guys down at Currie also put together the third member with a 3.50:1 ratio T.S.D. (Torque Sensing Differential) limited slip unit. Currie performance 31-spline axles were also installed to get the power from the rearend to the wheels. | 
Currie also has their own hypoid gear oil specifically formulated for their high-performance rearends. This rearend will take about 2 3/4-quarts of the racing gear oil along with the 4 fl oz bottle of Torco Limited Slip Friction Modifier. |
Currie offers their rearends with many different brake options, from a simple 11-inch drum brake to a Wilwood disc brake setup with cross-drilled rotors and polished calipers. We opted for the 11-inch Explorer disc brake kit with a 5x4 1/2-inch bolt pattern. | 
The rearend is slid into place and the non-shackle side (front) is bolted to the bracket. Before the suspension can be assembled any further, we need to address the ends of our framerails where we removed those offending pieces earlier. | 
We picked up some 1/8-inch plate and made a quick crossmember to square up the back of the frame. We'll come back and make it pretty later, but for now, it allows us to finish installing the suspension and get the truck down on the wheels and tires. |