I didnt realize this thread had been brought back to life....
Welding it in didn't make it any more difficult, moving it up two inches into the frame did......like 100% more difficult. Everything was then moved up/around/modified/down after that. In hindsight building a custom front suspension would have made more sense.
For those asking for updates......they are coming, still piling up $$ parts and waiting for some custom caliper brackets.