Here is a shock mount I did long ago, the hose clamp is just to hold it while welding. It's being welded on near bottom of tube.
Shock Mount1Mount2I don't know many specific answers about AD. I'm a TF guy but the fab stuff I like. What did the blazer have for shock mounts on axle? Your welding mounts idea sound doable. You need a shock to use while mocking or you will make a mistake and bind it somewhere when you buy some and try to mount.