DR, I started removing my lowers today. I was bodywork challenged a few months ago when I started this project. Since, I have learned how to weld sheetmetal, hang doors, paint, pray, apply body filler, pray, dial JBG & Duffs. Did I mention, pray? So far, so good. I'll admit it was a haphazard approach. The truck was in such poor shape when I began, I decided to learn and live with the results. I put the front fenders and grill back on today after having completely rebuilt everything forward of the firewall and both door posts. I'm not totally satisfied yet, but I still have room to adjust some parts. I hope to get my lines together tomorrow, today I was just happy to hang everything back on the truck.
Since I am not removing the uppers, I can't offer a lot of advice on order of removal. I do know it is a pain working around the tail light housings. There are also over 30 spot welds along the seam between the upper and lower quarters, not to mention the ones on the door latch post and tail light housing. As far as bracing, spot weld some tubing between your inner panels from front corner to rear on opposite sides. Take good measurements between your sides as insurance. I would consider it wise to remove your fuel tanks prior to any cutting and welding on the panels themselves. Just thought I would mention that, since I forgot to remove my aux tank.
Keep us in the loop on your progress.
DC