can it be done and how with what?

Small bearing 18-spline front bearing retainer is not really available (might find a used one, but...). To build an A-body 18-spline you need a 308 bearing case (I've used an iron overdrive case) and all of the 18-spline gears and the 18-spline bearing retainer. AND, a different bell housing to take the larger bearing retainer.

I got mine from Passon Performance. I'm not going to change my setup if I want to change drive trains.

Billet Bearing Retainer