Real deal or move along?

Hello everyone,

I too am one of the many looking for an upgrade from my stock 7-1/4".

Here is my setup. 1964 Dodge Dart GT with the 225 Slant 6 and A904 trans. I'm keeping both the engine and the trans but I want something a bit tougher at the rear. I'm not looking to drag or launch the car, but I also don't trust the longevity of that axle because it's the original 1964 unit.

So here is the deal. I found a guy on Craigslist that is very close to where I live that claims to have a Chrysler 8-1/4 supposedly from a 73 Duster. I have not seen it in person yet, but the few measurements he has supplied to me via e-mail seem to indicate that this axle has the same exact spring perch spacing and measurement from back plate to back plate.

I've also read/been told that in 67 the A-body got wider so 67 and newer A-body axles are wider than early A body stuff and that spring perches have to be moved.

The guy wants $250 for the axle, here is the link to the ad: mopar parts for a body
Can someone confirm that is an 8-1/4? It sure looks like it to me, but it is just a picture.

Beyond that, I have seen a lot of interest in the Ford 8.8 and I get one of those for about $60 (minus all the brake parts) from a local Pick n Pull yard. However, I would still have to have the axle tube(s) shortened.

What I would like to know is if I shorten a Ford 8.8 to where both sides use the same length factory axle shafts (as I have seen this is the most common shortening method), will that be narrow enough to fit under my 64 A-body without needing some crazy backspaced wheel?

I've tried looking for charts of axle widths, but even the chart on this site only goes as far back as 1966 for the A-body, so before I go spending the money I'd like to have a better idea of my options.

Thank you all for your help.