montero info/help

I have a 94 montero that is awesome inside and out,BUT the engine let go yesterday (379k) not worth repairing to me .I want to throw a small block in there and fab up some solid axles(its an IFS model), any idea where I could gather some info on such a task ?

Road legal would be great but if not off road only is fine,so im thinking of finding me an old 70-80's fullsize chevy for parts. I have torch,welder and a full box of tools(M/C tech by trade).

Do folks who do a solid axle conversion on an odd vehicle just go for it and work out the kinks ? I realize there is tons of info for solid axle swaps on more popular vehicles but a montero ?

Maby I should set the montero body on a blazer chassis,dont know just brainstorming for and off road vehicle that I want be worried about smashing up...

Sorry for the novel.

Thanks!!!