I am 25yr old and completely new to building a hot rod. So please keep that in mind as I try to enplane my new project questions.
This past Friday I started building my first car ever. I am a machinist by hobby and have been working out of a tool box since I could reach. So Im hoping this will be successful. I am building a 31 2 door sedan and have a Ford 8in rear end that is 51in backing plate to backing plate. Will it be wide enough if I z the back end 8in and run the buggy spring in the original cross member?
I am thinking a 4in drop axle in the front with a 6 degree notch at the front of the cab should lower the front about 7in. So I will have it 7 in. lower in the front and 8 in. lower in the back will this be a good look?
Also I have been debating on which steering box to use. I really like the pitman arm look with the horseshoe bracket on the left front back plate of the drum brake. What is the best box to use that is not too hard to get a hold of.

Thanks in advance for the responses.