I have old school car ramps. I jacked the car up and put a ramp under each wheel so I could get under the car and tighten everything up and adjust the torsion bars more easily with the weight on the suspension. You can get the ramps pretty cheap at garage and yard sales.
Back in the day we went out on a lonesome stretch of Route 606 at midnight to drag race. Only a few spectators, low key so the cops wouldn't come around. Not that the Sheriff's Dept. didn't have an idea of what was going on, as long as there were no issues they left well enough alone.
gyrate
jī′rāt″
intransitive verb
To revolve around a fixed point or axis.
To move in a spiral or spirallike course. synonym: turn.
To oscillate or vary, especially in a repetitious pattern.
Yes some of the timing cover/water pump bolts go into the wter passages and should have a little sealant put on them. I don't remember which ones, I have to look it up every time.
Here is a thread on it
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/small-block-water-pump-bolt-locations.395653/
I have a 67 Dart GT with the original fender tag in place. If you'd like I can run over to the garage I keep it in and take measurements in the next day or so
I don't know about whether or not it is steel, but the tap method has always worked for me.
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/lower-control-arm-bushing-removal.450594/
The biggest question is, do you have the time to spend, not the time you think it is going to take, but probably 2, 3, or 4 times the amount of time you think it will take. In the end if you want ot do it, go for it.
I remember seeing them back in the day. My Dad was friends with the sales manager at a Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth dealer so i was there alot when I was a kid. When ever something new or used and interesting came in and we were there.
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/paint-code-64-barracuda.171000/
Scroll down, the thread has link to earlycuda.org fender tag decode posted by pishta
The 8 3/4 rear came out in 1957, the early rearends had axles that were different than the units of the 1960's and 70's. My Dad's 57 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer has one. Most people don't fool with the early 8 3/4 rearends...