Axle refurb: inspected axles supplied with the 5spd "kit". Though it would have been possible to mount as is (CV boots were okay) upon further inspection opted to dive in, since two of the three CV joints were stiff, one in particular quite recalcitrant. Procured fresh MB grease, removed circlips and CV joints. First wiped off as much grease from the joints then submerged in mineral spirits in peanut cans, three cycles of soaking and blasting with compressed air. Now clean, one joint still really stiff, so ordered a new OE joint from MWB. New boots as well. So far I've got the long right side axle done, and it will be quick to complete the left. Though I did get new OE short boot retainers and longer aftermarket straps, re-used the used OE as they are in great shape. Used care to not overload the CV joints (spec calls for 3.2oz, but not sure if that is by volume or weight). Basically packed the joints with a small spatula but not protruding from the bearing cages. With a new transaxle and engine, I didn't want marginal axles.
Hub mount: the left upright did not yet have a hub installed, procured it, but needed a method to mount hopefully without uninstalling the hub again (plus, I do not yet own a hydraulic press). A three jaw puller would not fit around the upright flanges. Picked up a Grade 8 9/16" x 5" bolt, nut and hardened washers. Succeeded in pressing in the hub with the bolt and ratchets, protecting the wheel bearing with support from the back side with the large washers.
Brakes: Calipers had been hung from the struts, time to reinstall. No matter which method used I could not succeed in compressing the brake cylinders back to allow clearing the pads. I looked at the Facom tool recommended by Bernice which provides pressure while turning the cylinder, not available easily (though there is a whole kit with multiple drivers available in Europe over $300). It would have been simplest to reinstall my original calipers, since that wasn't going to happen this provided an opportunity to mount fresh 38mm larger brake cylinders I had waiting for another day. Success, they're mounted. Learned the trick of taking the e-brake cables on and off (11mm socket wedge technique, and found small hose pliers really useful). The existing Porterfield pads have life in them, so they are back in there. New crush washers used with the existing flexible brake lines, which were judged to be serviceable based on observing flow while bleeding the calipers before removal.
Next steps will be axle mounting, sheet metal shields, exhaust, intake, fluids.