[b-man]

You’re going to need to remove the rear axle assembly.

There will be nothing keeping the rear axle in place with no control arms, you will need access to the upper bushings in the rear axle to replace those.

Trying to leave the rear axle floating in there isn’t the way it’s done.

I know disconnecting the emergency brake cables, rear brake hose and driveshaft might seem like a lot of work but it all can’t be avoided.

It’s just a series of small jobs and it’s really not that difficult. You just need some sturdy jack stands under the frame just ahead of the control arm mounting points and a good floor jack.