Hey jim, Im trying to do the same thing w/ my 38. been scratchin my head with different possibilities. Im def. gonna replace the rear axle. i think you can pretty much use anything as long as the track width is the same. You will have to cut off the spring perches and weld new ones on. but that is the easy part. I was just in my owners manual trying to find the model # of my trans w/ no luck.
Been backwards & forwards with trying to decide wich drivetrain to repace mine with and I keep comming back to a 350. Unfortunitly, I think it will be the easiest and cheapest route to go. the motor is a little wider, but deffinity shorter than my 216. My next step is to see what trans will fit in with the least headaches... Im thinking a T-5 5speed out of an early S-10
