You do not need an aftermarket front end setup, it's just easier and saves a lot of time.
You sell your stock stuff. Buffers the cost a bit...
Don't forget to add all of the restoration costs, resto parts, upgrade parts and Schumacher swap parts to your stock system.
Heim joints work great on the street. At least the ones that come on the AlterKation do. They don't transmit anything and they don't wear out quick. Mine have been on there for years now and they are just fine.
Just an FYI he does sells bushing parts as well.