TopLoader to SBM 273 Bellhousing?

A early 5 speed out of a 2wd Dakota 3.9 or 5.2 will bolt right up to a 273-360.
That would be a possibility, and the chance of getting one of these is also greater, since more people drove manuals in Europe. but as bcschief already said, there are probably space problems. Here in Switzerland, they are pretty picky about big changes to the body.