Need 66 Chvy advice

[smithjm]

My friend has a 66 chevy he has restored.
1)He is interested in putting a better rear end in it. The current rear end is geared too low and whines.
He's running a 327/TH350 combo and is looking for a nice around town driving gear ratio. He's not gonna be drag racing nor running down the interstate.
I suggested a 373 gear..I have one in a spare 71 truck (/w leaf springs)but it appears to be about 1-1/2" wider. Is there any suggestion of another rear end he can look for that will maybe fit closer to the stock dimensions?
2)I find that the newer (maybe leaf spring models) dont have the trailing arm/sway bar on them and the bracket it bolts to the rear end is cast to it.
What do you do about that?
3)Also,what's the suggested front disk brake upgrade kit? There's a number of them out there. Are there any that are suggested and any recommended to stay away from?
Thanks in advance for any info...I know nothing about 66's-but that they look cool.
ps:Went to the Moultrie,GA swap meet last weekend. WHAT A BLAST! Got some unbeleivable deals for my 71 GMC.