Stop in for a cup of coffee

I went with the two-piece bushings that were on the struts that I purchased from @65 Dartman
Easier. Assuming they are the correct dimensions. The front and back bushings should be different.
Steve Wall showed that here
STRUTBush.jpg
Making A-Body Strut rod Bushings Work

As far as sway bar tabs, I'd consider that completely seperate from engine changes.v-8 is slightly heavier but moves the weight back a little.
The trick if welding tabs is to locate them so the link is vertical in the normal ride position, not with the wheels hanging.