I would agree with this method 100%. Solid front and rear with leaf spring packs all around sounds like a really capable truck. You can't worry about having a rougher ride too much if you plan to do such a large project. The trade off of smooth ride for capability will be well worth it.

It would be easier to do the leaf packs, chances of more of us doing this conversion in the future would probablly greater.

Yes, but it is tempting to use the stock upper coilover mounts and get some bigger coilovers. Then I could just fab two arms and three link it. That way I could get the axle all ready before putting the truck under the knife.