If you don't plan on hauling heavy loads in your 1 ton, a T-5 transmission will amaze you on how much more you can get out of your 216. There are two extra gears which are closer together, eliminating the lugging right after the shift, followed by red-lining the engine before the next shift. On top of that, you have overdrive so you can go over 60 without red-lining in fifth gear.
Since you have an open drive shaft already, you can use your original rear end.
