Hello from a bit north. Sounds like some interesting projects. Not sure how one would get a divorced transfercase in any of the 80 or 81" wheelbase Jeeps and still have anything resembling a rear driveshaft. I believe the shortest V8/4 speed remains a sbc/SM465/D18 with Novak's adapter.
That and when it comes to swap engines, I'm all for ubiquitous-sbc or not. I see little utility in a swap where you can't find parts and/or those parts a very expensive.
Personally, I look a small block Chevy's as the worlds greatest Lego set. Literally 1000's of ways to put them together and tailor them to your specific needs.
