4x4 for is shorter for sure wont work like they said ,
But 4x4 tranny has a reduction box and trasnfer case as well bolted to it ,outpt shafts are different ,one the 4x4 has a bolt on flange for the driveshaft at the transfercase, and the 2 wheel is slip yoke,
splitting the tranny wont work tail shaft is too short for your truck,you might find a celica or supra tranny that would work,most 2 wheel drives lengths are pretty close if memory serves me right .
Marlin has some rebuilds i think too...
Sorry couldn't help more..
Gary