Modifying a buggy

[NeoGeo]

This is not a Monstercar but it is a modification project and I was hoping to get some feedback from you guys on this. I've just bought an incomplete Samurai that I want to customize. I think it might be possible to transform it into a shaftdrive. Can anyone give me some advice on wich drivetrain might be good as I'm not very familiar with the new tamiya and kyosho cars. It would be best if it was from a new(er) car so replacemnt parts would be easy to find. I'm still evaluationg a Optima drivetrain..