Newbie 8 3/4 rear end questions???....

Sounds to me like you have an open rear center and 4.5" bolt pattern. To change to LBP on the front you need to find a 73 and later A body and need at least the spindles, dust shields and the upper control arms. All the other stuff you can buy from the auto parts, but I would grab as many of the items from the donor car as you can, and be sure to try to get the prop valve also!! No sure grip isn't the end of the world, you can always add the SG unit to your existing pumpkin!! Geof