NOT another "Green" bearings post

So just when I thought I was done with this damn Barracuda ('67 383, 4 Speed, Formula S for those that require such info), the last mechanical piece of the car I have not touched has decided to stomp it's feet and throw a tantrum like my 4 year old.

Took it for a test drive and watched the fuel gauge drop like I had a 5th wheel on the back. I did not build a fuel efficient motor for sure, but seemed a bit dramatic still.

It's got an 8 3/4 Sure Grip, 741 factory original rear end. The adjuster looks like it was abused by an air chisel by the fucktards I bought it from (see picture). They replaced the housing seals on it before I took delivery. It needed adjusted as it had close to an 8th of an inch of play on it. Discovered this when checking for brake drag. No can do with the adjuster that's on it.

FWIW, I removed the original bearings to make sure the axel shafts were true and that the spin weld caused by the adjuster rubbing against the axle was minimal. They're good, and I'll be using them because I don't think the car deserves new wheels and tires with due to a larger bolt pattern. Also, I'm tired of spending money on it.

I'd like to put OE style bearings on it and all I can seem to find are the Dr Diff ones or Yukon. Dr Diff is a complete kit with gaskets, billet retainers and adjuster, third member gasket, plus a new set of thrust buttons, I'm looking at $200 all in. Yukon has OE style retainers and adjuster, but no gaskets at all and no thrust buttons for $300 ish. Both use Timken bearings, or at least Dr Diff does for sure.

I know, I know, both OE and the 'Green' setups have pros and cons. I searched the forums a lot before posting this. Greens are cheaper. But, I plan on getting my money's worth out of this car and beating it like it owes me money. Because it does. I've been bent over by this car so many times, I'm about ready to file charges and set it on fire.

Any input from anyone with experience with either, or alternate suggestions (no 'green' bearings) please let me know.

PXL_20220923_030516048.jpg