8.25 rear end advice

you need a different carrier for anything 2.76 and higher. the 8.25's in the darts came with a 3.21.

X2 (except the 3.21 came in Darts. Optional, but not standard. 2.76 & 2.94 are the most common I've seen.)

The only way you can go with your 8ΒΌ is down to a 2.21:1. IMO live with it or cut your losses and get this assembly in the hands of a confirmed hypermiler.