[dsraven]

as per my previous post, go through the complete truck, front to rear, and make an honest list of everything you can find that you will need to fix or replace. right down to the speedo cable or heater motor.price it all out and then decide what you can best do with your available budget., like said, an ifs kit may be the way to go seeing that you want to do highway speeds. I understand, guys will say big trucks are still driving around with solid axles. I know, but they are NEW solid axles with NEW style tie rod ends and steering components and have power steering. if you ask the single question of how many daily drivers are out there with a solid axle that LOVE it still and drive it at highway speeds during rush hour and park it at the safeway store during peak periods, just like any other daily driver would, I bet the list would be short.
long story short, do some homework and have a plan before pulling the trigger
don't spend money on cool cosmetic stuff until the truck starts, drives and stops