Is an 8 1/4", 2.45:1 diff housing exclusive?

What I'm talking about is using an M (or F) body housing (again, I still see several of these every year), and a 1996 or earlier Dakota carrier and 3.55 gear set (I still see several of these yearly as well, but have not verified gears), retaining the 27 spline M body axle shafts.