I have the original torsion bars on mine, but added a sway bar. I also added the super stock springs in the rear. It doesn't have a harsh ride & handles great. Has a little sway in the back, but a sway bar back there will solve that..
I made a tool out of 2 u-bolts ( a little bigger than the bar) and a T shaped steel bar. I used the U-bolts to clamp to the torsion bar & beat the hell out of the steel bar untill it came out.
I've done a power unit before, a long time ago. The internals were all good just the seals were bad. How bad is it, if its just a little sloppy I would think new bushings & seals should take care of it.
Take Lots of pictures. Looks like I'll be doing the relocation too, since I have some holes in my spare tire well & rotten exhaust, as well as other body work to do. Maybe I'll swap a dana for the wimpy rear I have.