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Since Ma didn't mess with the cross spring, you can ignore that.
You can use good ol' parallel leafs. If you have a tight front, you may want to add a sway bar.
Pros: strong, easy, already there, clearance for exhaust, cheap.
Cons: while it can be tuned pretty well, it's still pretty basic. not easy to air bag (if that's in the plans)
Multilink solid axle. Requires time and effort or money. If set up right, is better for drags or handling. Can run coilovers , coil springs or air bags. You will have to snake the exhaust through the area if you are going out back. About the best a solid axle can be for handling or drags.
IRS. Lots of choices. Main thing is to find a setup that fits and can handle the power and weight. Then try to engineer the proper mounting to the frame. This is the highest difficulty, and if any part of the design or build is off, can drive worse than the first, or be dangerous.
Since you didn't finish the first rod projct, and (AFAIK) you don't have a bunch under your belt like Ron, I'd stick to the easy path. There is a LOT to do, and sucess is the goal. You can change what you don't like AFTER it's running and driving..

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