Well I dont know as to how hard it would be to install the 327/auto combo, but since ive seen small hemis and sb dodges in them and theyre quite simmilar in size, id doubt it would be much harder to do.

I dont know about what the best rearend to replace the stocker would be, only to say im fairly unhappy with mine as well.

Actually the mopar front suspension is a fairly decent one for the time, ive seen drop front spindles being made for them if all you want is a drop. I believe it was FatMan Fabrications that was selling them.