gearbox conversion

I keep breaking my series gearbox, bearings and layshaft in various boxes- my landie is fitted with a V8 with high comp heads and a 500cfm 4bbl carb - so it no suprising the gearbox can't handle it(or the rear drive shafts that look like drill bits).
I would like to fit a RR 5speed manual box and I realise the trans tunnel will need modifing diffrent props will be needed.
What I need to know is the front axel on my SII has old fasion drive shaft joints and the RR gearbox needs CV joints is there a way of making a CV jointed leaf sprung front axel, and any ideas on mounting the RR gearbox to a standard chassis
It a big question to ask and I would realy appriciate any advise.
Thanx
Lockie

While the Series gearbox will be under a lot of strain it will handle a serious amount of power if in good condition.Many years ago I ran my S111 SWB with a Hi-Comp P6 engine (the one meant to run on 5-star fuel), 9.00x16 tyres, S11A gearbox mated to S111 bell-housing. I popped a couple of rear half-shafts and blew a diff (right out through the casing) before I fitted a rear Salisbury but after that the transmission was reliable. Of course dropping the clutch on tarmac to hear the tryes spinning wasn't going to do it any favours but for spirited on & off-road driving it proved to be excelent.Yes the RR box will be better as it is designed for the V8 but apart from being perm 4WD (you could use a Stage-1 axle c/w CV joints) I think it is longer. UJ's will handle the power if in good condition but they can make the steering do all sorts of wild things when you least expect it.

whats reqire to convert to a salsbury rear end?

The leaf-spring mounts need to be cut off and welded back on to match the SWB springs (LWB springs sit outboard of the chassis).The prop needs to be shortened. I did my own and it worked fine but there are plenty of firms who will shorten & balance for you, just check out Yellow Pages.Salisbury is a decent piece of kit and I never damaged mine, it is very heavy (2-person fit whereas a Series axle is 1-person) and the under diff clearance is about 1-inch lower. This didn't bother me as I was on 9.00x16's anyway.