How would i make this work for me? 83/4

You'd have to get this rear shortened down a lot to work with an abody (the b body rear you want is 70 and older for the best fit and only have to move the spring perches over 1 inch).
As far as brakes go you can get drum a setup if you want however if your going to be working with a lot of HP I'd bite that bullet and get a rear disc setup (pretty sure I was reading here a day or two ago about how someone did a rear disc setup for ~300). As far as changing pads/shoes, I find it a lot easier and faster to change pads vs shoes.
Hope this info helps, also here is a site that lists the different 8 3/4 rear end lengths.
http://members.tripod.com/mojo_page/chry875.htm