No one has mentioned (maybe you already know) but if you go to the T-5 your bell housing will work but you will have to change the clutch disc. The T-5's have a 23 spline input shaft and the older units have a 10 spline input shaft. The bell housing and your original clutch linkage will work (it does on my '50, anyway). I also used the rear end out of a '78 Blazer (full size) and it was almost the perfect width, still has the 6 bolt lug pattern and worked very well. You would just need to weld spring perches on the rear end housing (pay attention to pinion angle). I ended up using a Tremec 5speed and 4.11 gears which has been a wonderful combination. The engine is a 261 with twin carbs, Fenton exhaust and HEI ignition - it is great and will cruise all day at 65 getting 20+ mpg.
