Swapping ratios front or rear

[jmbrodsky@domain.elided]

     Binders,
     
        About my friend's gear problems.  If he had the r/p in hand for the 
     front, AND the axle sitting on the floor for the rear.  Which is 
     easier, the front r/p swap or the entire rear end 
     swap-brakebleed-brake shoes adj, etc.
     
        Must one withdraw the entire hub assemblies (Removing king-pins on 
     4wd) to get the shafts out, to change the front R/P?  The Rear end 
     swap means springs, brakes, brake lines, tires/wheels, and 
     driveshaft/ujoints/fluids.
     
        What is the procedure for a front r/p swap.  The rear end at least 
     you can see it all.
     
     -Joel