Possible to axle a 2wd truck and lift?

[chevymadness]

I read off a forum from full size chevy or whatever the site is called,that a guy with a half ton 2wd pickup just tore off the crappy front end (coil springs,etc)And put a front axle lol and i think he lifted it to.And when I think about it makes perfect sense and gives me utter hope and joy to rig my sagging rust bucket and get the lift I have always wanted.He said he didn't spend much and I'm sure he didn't because axle at the yard cost nun but a few hundred and all he needs is leaf springs to weld mount on the front end.I would only want a 4 inch lift ,so I would imagine I can buy a single axle or rip it off a yard truck and take the mounts and sway bar etc and let the shop take the rest of the work.Because I have no idea how to weld or anything.I hope to spend 500$ including labor.