Were all 8 1/4" rears large bolt pattern?

Good to know. I got one from a salvage yard when I changed my front brakes from drum to 73+ factory disk (the whole reason for the 8.25 was to get the 4.5" bolt pattern to match the new front wheels), and it has always clunked every time I shift into reverse. I have been wondering if there was something that could be done about it. Sounds like maybe not.
Sure you can. Find a 96 and earlier 8 1/4 in junk yard out of a Dakota,Jeep, etc. Buy the carrier with the gears, make sure it is SG. 3.55 set ups are sold on eBay all the time.