i see now that there is a difference between the early and later r180 diff stubs. NewZed you are exactly right, i need bolt in axle flanges from the early r180 to replace the bolt in half shafts my 78 has.
my reference to the automatic-spec of my car was to make sure everyone understood what i was working with, i didn't want to send HybridZ on a wild goose chase, and i'm happy to have shown the semi-shallow depth of my knowledge since it led to me easily learning something new(difference in spec of early vs late r180).
the ermish kit is exactly as pictured on the slideshow of that link, it's very similar to the driveshaftshop kit and seems to be 100% bolt in with very clear instructions included(unlike reports of the dss kit). my particular issue with fitment was my lack of knowledge of the differences between the early and late r180 diff stubs. when i have all the parts necessary i'll make some comments on the install and driving experience of the ermish kit, right now all i can say is troy ermish has fast communication and shipping of what seems to be a solid product.
thanks for the help NewZed, much appreciated!