help with some info on my duster

just to give a little run down on what i did to try and find some info on my car.

before i left for the army, i really wanted to get some info on my duster. i only had it 2 months before i left. and 2 weeks before i left, ii hit a nasty dirt patch in the road, spun out, and most likely blew my shocks out. and most likely did some other damage, now that the car sits a little lower and theres almost no steering. any way......

i was told to go to my local dodge dealership and they would most likely be able to help with some general info in regards to vin numbers and paint codes.
well i did, and needless to say, the guy was a complete @$$ hole!!! he didnt really want to help me out. maybe because i wasnt interested in buy a car. well untill they fix some issues with the challenger, maybe ill own another one some day.

basically all i found out was that a had a 8 3/4 rear end, and the car used to be a slant 6. i was wondering where to look up the paint code, since i want to keep it the original color. i know the code is in the vin, but i wasnt sure on where i can look up the codes!

is there a place i can look it up? like a website?

also, im not sure to find out the spacing for new wheels. i have 18s on it i believe. and the wheels are aftermarket. and i was told to go with 15s. what would you all reccommend as far as wheels? im pretty sure that the spacing is stock as well and has not been changed. what is the stock spacing for the lug nuts?

im looking to put a 4 speed tranny in the car as well, and get rid of the 3speed thats in there now. I HATE IT!!!
would a 727 tranny be best?

thank you in advance for the help. i can get some more details if needed, but it may be limited. im in virginia, and the car is in texas.