what year(s) 235 should I look for? how much more powerful are the later 235's than my current 216?

and how durable is the orginal trans? Like I said I am definitly replacing the rear axle, so I will need to have a new driveshaft made.. to have one made to fit the org trans may cost me a small fortune? would I be better off going with a later 235 and a different trans?


my goal is threefold;
1. maintain original intergerity
2. find the easiest swap, that lets me have....
3. a strong running, fun to drive truck. Now, Im not looking to race this, but when I step on the gas I want to feel some balls!