Scott, if you get stuck, technically you could cut all that stuff out and fill it in. That is assuming you have a spare rear diff. (axle) in your parts box. You could build a straight axle up front like I did on my Malibu and you did on your Rat truck. But I don't blame you if you go with a new kit. It would save you some work and of course it is always nice to open the box of a new kit and caress the body and it's parts. ;D