Seeking insight on this front disc conversion kit

that's pretty much standard 73~76 re-pop factory disc setup.

your upper control arms are big bolt pattern and you can re-use your lower control arms (they're all the same-- save for sway bar tab locations but you'll need to change the ball joints. then all you need are the knuckles and assorted brake bits.

if you want to retain small bolt pattern you can get the 73~76 discs in small bolt

and yeah, you can keep it manual.

doctor diff has all the bits you'll need and excellent customer service

https://www.doctordiff.com/