[mbmopar]

have you ever considered a Volare/Diplomat front end swap? Easier to tune and adjust torsion bars, big brakes, easy part sourcing...cheaper and all MOPAR !
Looks like it would be a picnic from what I hear....I have some pics of the same swap on a 47 DOdge 1/2 ton...lookn easy enough.

I'd stay with an 8 3/4 rear end as well, the 9" is overkill (and that four letter word F**D)[:'(], and the 8 3/4 will take the power of a hemi automatic setup, you'd need a Dana 60 rear for a 440/426 4 speed setup.

For what it's worth, a MOPAR crate 360 would be a wise idea, 300 or 380 horse, all new and beats buying a 340 core for 1000 bucks that needs an expensive rebuild....300 horse are about 3100 US at the dealers...

Just some ideas...I've looked into the IFS swap as I have just bought a 56 Dodge 1/2 ton Poly V8 Factory POWERFLITE automatic...I'm thinking a factory straight axle with an early HEMI swap. Old skool Cool.

All of this is just my opinion mind you,
Keep us posted on your progress....and more pics!
Derek