Is it possible to find dana 44s with the 5x4.5" bolt pattern? I know they aren't very common from the XJs but aren't the Grand Cherokee ones too wide for an A-body also?
I've heard it mentioned once before someone had done this swap... maybe... :-k
To the OP I found a full 8 3/4" assembly out of a '67 Coronet (according to the seller) for $250 (2.94 gears, 741 case) but had to put another $200 at least in giving it an overhaul and I did most of it myself even, would cost more having a shop do it. Then getting the spring perches rewelded with the housing fully stripped down... you get the idea. This thing kinda popped up out of nowhere in my same town and I grabbed it but had originally intended to do a 8.25 swap. Since you already have one just swap the diff and gears and call it good; that $500 or so you'd spend to put a regular 8 3/4" in could be spent on a good used set of 3.55s and limited slip diff which you'd likely have to do to the 8 3/4" anyway.