[olddog]

Do not use a slip fit joint between the headers and side pipes. They will leak and the fumes end up in the passenger compartment some how. You will smell it on your clothes after a ride. Weld flanges onto both pieces. Make sure everything is perfectly correct, before coating.

If you do go with a straight axle, make sure the link arms have an adjustment that will allow you to adjust the pinion angle. If not you could end up with a bad pinion angle that will cause wheel hop, and beat u-joints and pinion bearings to oblivion. Also limit the travel of the axle to prevent it from moving so far that is locks the u-joints. That can explode a trany, and the shrapnel will go into you legs. When you see how little the axle can move before locking the u-joints on a short drive shaft, you may start thinking the IRS is a better idea.