A solid axel is not made for handling. It was designed for strength yrs ago, when the roads were not paved. If you are looking for good handling you have to go IFS.
I just installed a junk yard Must II in a 34 Ford trk. The front end cost $150 & Granada rotors were $50. The calipers were cheap alsoo-I forget what he paid for them. The caliper brks cost less than $100. No kit was used to install this.( there were some articles in streetrod mag that showed you how to do this).

I do not have this article perhaps someone on this site will have it.
Thus, I do not think a dropped axle can be installed for less money .