What rear is this?

Yes it does neck down where it goes into the center. But spring pads are 43” like a A body. Has standard size center hole in the perch.
The one I have the perches are about 45 inches apart. I have other rears that I can't get to as they are stacked on each other and have other things on top.
If you friend is not locked into Mopar parts, he might want to consider a 8 inch Ford rear, from a early V-8 mustang/comet/ granada/etc. Almost a bolt in, and lots of parts available. I have one of those, and without redoing the brakes, only have $300 in it. Got a pumpkin with 4.10 mini spool (limited slip available) for $200, at Sumpter county swap and the complete rear housing from a junk yard for $100.