1st time welder

Hobart is one of the cheapest "Reliable" welders around imo. I used the 110's at a dealer body shop for 10 years without fail. I also own a Mac brand welder from a tool truck. Still working after 12+ years. It looks like the old Lincoln 110.

After all the welding I have done the MIG is by far the easiest! I set my gauge around 15-18 on the bottle and burn away! Don't waste a nickle on a flux-core. Crap splatters everywhere regardless of wire speed and get really nasty looking welds. Flux-core is really designed for thick metal not sheetmetal to 1/8".

Since you are stepping head in to such a critical modification you need to spend several weeks/months practicing butt welds and overlaps. You will need to bevel certain pieces to get a proper weld and make sure it has proper penetration! The rear spring relocation should be done by a Good welder since it is a safety issue, your call though! There are plenty of how-to videos around to get an idea of how to start welding. But becoming a true welder takes many years! Remember you are cutting into the "Frame" of your car.
Just sayn'