From the pictures you provided it looks like you could keep the kickup. Personally I think it may look better with the spring perch closer to the grille, but I don't know what your wheelbase is overall however.

When you weld in the front tube and spring perch remember you need to build in 5 to 7 degrees caster (kingpin leaning back at the top) at RIDE HEIGHT. This will usually dictate where you mount the hairpins, although there is some adjustment in the clevis's, so you may be Ok.

Mick