"The front im not sure if you can change ball joint to link pin drums. You might be able to with different bearings and races."
beaveretriever has the answer. you may be able to swap drums up front....as long as bearing races match. if not, youll have to buy some to make it work. someone at one point either swapped transaxles from drum to drum...or swapped axles and brake assemblies only. tell you what, that type 3 trans you have will bolt right up and youll have your 4 lug pattern all the way around, with better rear brakes. which is better for bajas in the dirt. its very much a direct swap. assuming your running a 12v system, with 12v starter/flywheel.
as far as the motor, sure, people have done similar combos many times. still, youd be better off with a legit 1600...dual port, single port if you have to...they work fine as well. dual port keeps more options open for future performance mods. there is a single port following..., theres just more for dual port. 1500 engine can be bumped up to 1600 with zero machine work. simply change pistons and cylinders. easier said than done....but really not difficult, you dont even have to get into the case(block). WAIT, you do have an 1835 long block. if its a single port....swap it too! all external stuff...cooling tin, dist., generator/altenator...will swap directly over. may have to tune carb a little for bigger engine....but not too much. if its dual port....you can get a stock dual port manifold and carb and run it. or dual carb set up for a little more giddy up. later, if you want...you can go up to 1914 from 1835....again with no machine work.
good luck
