833 B to 833OD

If this is the case, wouldn't a fairly common truck 833OD be much easier?

Yes, sell what you have and get a truck OD, cheaper all around. Watch the shifter mount location, the truck OD typically has both the "E" and "B" body positions, and the bearing retainer. I like the cast iron main case, you can get them reasonable from Passon Performance or Brewer's Performance.