All of you guys..been in my position:

I'm in the same position, 31, two young kids, wife, full time jobs, two houses (ones a rental) and a Duster with pretty much the same engine you have in it bought 3 years ago. I've learned a TON by just getting my hands dirty. Did an auto to 4sp swap, new headers, rebuilt the 4sp and the bearings in the 8 3/4 myself....i'm a web developer :)
This forum and the internet has been invaluable. After trial and error, the next best thing I did to understand my car was buy a Innovate A/F gauge.
With that being said, I know how hard it can be do devote time to these projects. Theres lots of times where I have to set it aside for the good of my relationship with my kids and wife.
Anyway, enough rambling. Don't get discouraged! I would be happy to chat anytime about my experience with these crate engines!