Yes it's been done quite a few times...
You can check Rick's X by clicking on "featured explorers" on top/right of this page. Then select Rick Horwitz...
I know you're new to the site and I don't want to be rude but before posting any question try a search first.
Otherwise you won't get any answer because people get tired of answering the same questions over and over... The solid front axle swap has alredy been discused a hundred times.
For the springs instead of t-bars, someone posted a picture of a really nice lift using this setup a couple of days ago.
I don't remember who but you can try a search ;-)
Hope this help and welcome to the Xplorer family.