Forget the 2nd gen rearend,gear coices are <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> and the factory link mounts will not work for a link setup,way to much anti squat built into them from the factory--the upper links are too far apart and way to short.
Yes,you could set them up by cutting all the junkoff but with the pinion size coming into play,I would scrap that idea.

Ford 9" is a strong rearend and gear/locker choices are abundant and fairly cheap.

I think your parts est. are low--shipping is a factor also.

Also the labor to have a shop cleanup the frame alone is a factor,Isuzu's have lot's of crap welded onto them.

Don't forget the braking system--

As for front coils consider some stock type jy coils for setup and then fine tune lift with aftermarket springs....
so pick a spring that has lift availible.


gotta go
Goodluck and have fun with parts resources.

bansil