As far as the crossmember goes, I had bought my drop brackets from Joe and I also got the crossmember drop brackets. I would recommend these, he can't be charging too much for them and they definately drop it far enough for a 2"+ diff drop.
2001 Ironman Daily Driver... 3.5" suspension lift (OME912 springs and 1" spring spacer), ball joint flip, 1.5" front diff. drop, 33"x12.5 TrXus MT, 16x10 Eagle Alloy rims, Interceptor, PV muffler, K&N air filter, Alpine Supercharger, Bilstein shocks, and some trimming.
2000 Ironman Project LS-1 VX... very slow progress but someday....... ohhhhh someday......