Sounds like the Duster is pretty far gone, so makes some sense. Don't know that I would try and use a FWD something, but to each their own.
Bucks up, I would buy a pro-touring chassis and figure out a way to support what was left of the Duster on it and then build floor/etc. to make it whole. Then run a modern driveline of some type (e.g. 5.7 with an 8HP70 or TR6060) and be happy with the drivability and decent mileage. Drive it everywhere and just enjoy it for what it was.
