10's on $5,000 ?

I don't remember the weight difference between the independent front suspension and the '71 back straight axle but I would probably look into a straight axle retrofit. Sure, wind resistance is going to be a real thing if the front end is gassered up but probably not as much as maintaining traction is going to be. I would probably be getting pretty extreme on the shortening aspect, too. Something like a newer five foot quad cab box from a Dakota or Ram comes to mind if you can find a less than pristine example on the cheap. I would be looking for a set of used set A body fenderwell headers. That's the way the Dakota guys are doing it and I'm fairly certain it works well on the full size too.