four-speed question

I think that early tranny has the 3.09 low-gear set, and the skinny mainshaft. If you swap in the fat M/S and a late tailhouse, you solve both problems.
The 3.09 set can be an advantage with smaller or less-powerful engines.
I did myself a favor; I'm running buckets so I moved the shifter as far back as fit comfortably in my hand, and as high as possible. Shifting is so much more enjoyable. I actually put a B/E tranny in my A and used the rear mount. I put the short stick in my hand, with my arm hanging almost straight down. The stick is around a foot further back, and the top mounting bolt is above the floorpan. Yeah baby. Of course, I had to build new, longer, meatier shift-rods.