The one I am looking at has a 4spd and 7.25 rear.

Mabey the 7.25 could be made to survive with enough weight removal from the car and the puny tires. Any one make a spool or aftermarket axels? The weight saveings of the 7.25 could be an advantage it self.

I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!