Hi David,
Buying parts this way is always expensive but if you'd have to pay to store a donor until the build is well under way then it'd still cost...
Search this site and LCB as people changing their plans or bailing out of their builds means the parts you need often come up.
I thought the price for the gearbox and front hubs was reasonable if they're
usable as is. Likewise once you've bought the rear axle parts you need they'll come out about the same price. Column very expensive though! and I wouldn't bother with a second hand prop. Recoprop or Bailey-Morris should be able to make you a custom prop to your design for around £100.
HTH BV
