DodgeForum.com - 1984 Ramcharger " the Toy " build,need advice

hello from western ny state,
im a longtime lover of ramchargers and dodges in general.
however,
im at a point where i want to take a stock ramcharger and just make it better.
im not sure what all interchanges on trucks versus ramchargers,sooooo,
heres where im at so far....

84 2wd,318 auto,very very clean body.
leanburn system,runs but drives terrible.
dead rearend/howling

parts:
a500 and a518 transmissions from a early 80s van.
1997 318 F.I. magnum motor,ran well,with flexplate.
exhaust manifolds from 97 truck.

i would like to do the following upgrades,if possible.

swapping to the later model bigger bolt pattern rotors on the front.
will my brakes still work ?
what year ram should i say when i ask for parts for 5 on 5 2wd ram??

changing the rear axle to one out of a 97 ? truck.
will it fit and work properly?
im hoping to find a 4:10 gear ratio,but most seem to be 3:55
that would give me the same bolt pattern 5 on 5 and allow me to use a much wider range of rims.

swapping to the magnum 318,upgrading the cam,net timing chain
with an aftermarket 4bbl crosswinds intake and edelbrock carb.
would need a recc on the right cam for towing/torque to 5500.

swapping to the overdrive trans/
is it worth doing with only a 3:55 gear in the rear and 16 in wheels/tires??
its able to be used off a toggle switch if wired up.
would need a recc for the convertor and stall speed.
problem: i have 2 of these transmissions and dont know which is which.
i think? ones a500 and the others a518,is anyone a transmission Guru?

using the stock magnum exhaust manifolds.
will these work in a ramcharger?..will they be good enough?
i know a lot of people like headers,but id prefer to stay cooler and quieter.

these are the questions im facing,and could use any advice :icon_worthy:

heres the ram in the former owners driveway the day i got it.

Attachment 29897

Attachment 29898

Attachment 29899