If I'm not mistaken, you need the axle to hold the wheel bearings inplace. 2wd have a spindle to hold it all together. You could probably fab something up by cutting the ends off the axles, but seems like a pain. The newer trucks have sealed assemblies so it doesn't matter, it's just one unit, and axle goes through center.

I'd have to look at a picture of your setup though. Been a while since I messed with that body style. Always have older or newer lol.