Thanks for the welcome, compliments, and info!!!
I found a 1980 4x4 front axle (well parts of one anyway....lol)
So, I'm going to give it a shot. I guess I need to try and find some beefy axleshaft u-joints.
Off Road Unlimited sells a cross over steering kit comes with a passenger side flat top knuckle, 2 wheel drive steering box, etc.....kinda pricey though. Well see.
Here's some pics of my parts pile.....Oh yeah, best part.. I found a '70 tilt column too...