8.75 Axle - 741 / 742 / 489

That's true. But an A-body is a light body Mopar. And the 383, while being a great running engine wasn't a real high horsepower engine. If I'm not mistaken nearly every 8-3/4 A-body left the factory with a 741 chunk, even the 69 440 cars which were high horsepower. I guess you'd have to call it the "A-body rule", LOL...
You are correct-M codes used 741's. Any 8 3/4 is a great center and capable of taking a lot of abuse.