Wanted to confirm some information on the 8 1/4 rear end (carrier swap)!

Lets ignore the discussion about the 2.45 carrier. We'll just cover the 2.71,3.21, etc. ratios. Try to picture the bare housing with only the carrier caps bolted to the housing. The bore size between the housing and cap is larger in 1976 and latter differentials. Doesn't that mean the housings must be different comparing early and late.