Hmm...will it last?

I have heard some good experiences (real life stories) and bad rumors (no real stories) about 8.25 rears. So, I decided to see if mine will last.

I have a 73' Dart Sport 340. It has a 3.21 geared open 8.25 rear in it, I don't think it is the original rear but it is an a-body rear. The reason I don't think it is original is the underbody of the car is super-clean, but the springs/rear/etc has alot of surface rust. I bought the car as a basket case.

I am running out of money, and I'd just like to drive the darn thing. So, I decided to try and make the rear last at least a summer or two. I'm going to replace all the bearings, and see if I can weld the tubes to the housing. I just came across a new Richmond/Powertrax Lock-Right locker in my never ending trading, and I'm going to see if those mods alone will make it last behind my engine. I know that the Lock-Right is supposed to "ratchet" and "click" in normal street driving, but its all I have at the moment. I don't plan on running sticky tires...yet, and they will probably be 275/40-17 street tires.

The engine is an 11.5:1 422 with ported Edelbrocks, Victor 340 intake, comp solid 250/254 .547/.533 cam, tti step headers, 904 trans with 3400 stall and man vb. All steel, full interior (buckets/console and fold down rear seat). Not sure how much HP/torque, but I'm sure it will be enough to put a grin on my face.

Any good/bad thoughts? Unless I come across another deal or something, this is what I'll be running. Just kind of want some input if it is going to be a time bomb, or if it will last as long as I don't put on sticky meats.