A833OD inspection results... thoughts?

I've enjoyed reading this!
Three questions come to mind.
1 Can you swap all OD parts in a non OD iron case, with the correct cluster pin and dodge the wallowing hole problem?
2 I saw one in an early '80s Ram250 318, a few years ago in a junk yard. I was surprised to see it in a 3/4 ton truck!
Popular wisdom says this box isn't known for strength, anyone know if this was a factory option?
3 I've heard you can machine the large input shaft seal retainer down to a smaller size to fit the more common bell housing size, has anyone seen this done?