Reality check: A body rear ends

Now that I have my hands on the Barracuda, I can begin planning the up-n-coming build.

Short version: swapping out the S6 + manual for a 360 + auto. The idea is to have a fun weekend car / fair weather driver that is pretty reliable and can still scoot.

(I know there are those who are going to tell me that the S6 is totally reliable, and that I can boost it for fun, but the engine discussion will happen at another time.)

The 7.25" isn't going to last long behind a V8. I'm not a total Mopar purist, but I would like to make the swap as bolt-in as possible, so that leaves me with the following:

• The 8.75", which is probably overkill for a healthy 360 (but might come in handy if I ever decide to throw a 383 under the hood).
• The 8.25", which is underrated and overlooked IMHO, and could live happily behind a 360 with reasonable care.

I know about the Ford 8.8 as well, but like I said...looking mainly for bolt-in. But I could be persuaded, if time becomes an issue (more on that later).

I've seen a number of 8.75s available on eBay and craigslist, running from $550 for just the carrier to $900 for the carrier with axles and bearings. Totally complete and rebuilt units are out of the question, with some of them topping $2500. I don't mind spending SOME money on a decent setup, but that's a little rich for the scope of this project. I found one fellow on eBay who wants 1k plus freight shipping for a complete A-body 8.75" with posi, but it looks like it's been sitting out in the open for a little while.

I haven't come across too many A-body 8.25s in my search just yet.

One thing I am doing is looking for suitable donors on craigslist, hoping that I'll come across a good rear end, and some front discs out of a later A-body...but that could be a long wait. And not necessarily a cheap option, either.

It's really a question of money and time. I would like to have this car up and running by late April, early May, so that's is a consideration. I do have a little bundle of cash set aside for things "right now", but don't want to blow too much of it on something that's not needed, while shorting the build somewhere else.

So, turning to the Mopar crowd for opinions. Spend the $$$ for a good 8.75" setup? Wait to find a decent 8.25"? Or maybe take the junkyard 8.8" Ford option, and just get 'er done?