Never in my life would I have thought it would come to this

How much would you expect to pay for this unit? The guy can't help that you would need it shipped, or have to pay for installation, he is selling a complete unit that can go right in. A gear and SG change can always come later.
I would expect to pay about 450 for it. Being as it has undesirable Highway gears and an open differential. When I was talking about installation I was more talking about installing new gears and a new Sure Grip. Setting backlash in those kinds of things are usually done by a professional. But not always. And the shipping and everything it was just for this guy's case that were talking about. If he's looking to do something reasonable I don't see this as a reasonable option? Maybe it's in the same state or something and he won't have to pay for shipping? Basically if you're not wanting those gears or that differential you're more or less paying $700 for a housing in a couple stock axles. The brakes and drums and all that fit the same right off of a 8 and a quarter.