I have been down that road. I converted a 55 Chev Cameo half ton to a 4x4. I had already swapped the 396 into the truck ( 1970-71), and what I did was buy a 76 Blazer and swapped in the TH350, NP 203 transfer case, front, and rear, differentials. I also retained my stand alone overdrive ( Hon-o-drive). I did have to modify the driveshaft. I welded a new plate on the front and rear ends to match the 55 springs.
It is a lot of work, and now I am going to tear it all out and go back to 2wd when I install the 454 TH400.
I agree with C10-C90 Bill that the 302 is a good engine and you can make some serious power with it. If the running gear is good, why change it, especially if it is one of the factory authorized conversions?
Bob
