If/when you replace the rear brakes (and swap out the axle -- it was cheap enough) Don't forget to lube any mounting bolts.  I had to grind off the nut plates on the trailing arms to frame as the bolt heads spun off.  Just an ounce (cc) of prevention here.

What kind of axle did you use in the swap?  I'm a real newbie at this thing.. or... I suppose I can look up a thread... I've discovered how awesome these things are just from hours of reading the forum archives...

thx

ERock

I bought a stock 98 axle at a junque yard.  Cheap ($150), has a boat load less miles, good brakes.  Make sure the r & p gearing is the same.  Get all the mounting parts with it, so you have spares.  Especially the top link (a-arm/ball joint device).  I've had a couple with problems (one froze up at the pivots that mount to the frame).
The axle is heavier than you think.  Bring a bud, or bring a dolly -- especially if she's cute!

Is the 98' different than the 96'