Looking for no BS info on 8 1/4 rears

Yea I know the mighty 8 3/4 is the best and that I shouldn't use anything less but I wanna know why I shouldn't use a 8 1/4? I know the 8 1/4 gets ripped on because of the c clips that hold the axels in but can they be beefed up to be a decent axel? My car is around 400hp and is driven street/strip. Right now my car is equipped with the wimpy 7 1/4 and with my engine almost done I am worried about blowing the rear the first time I get up on it. I have been looking around and 8 3/4's are pretty slim around here. Also the 8 1/4 looks like it will work perfectly with my drive shaft with no modifications.

Also whats the deal with Dakota rear ends being swapable with A bodies? I have heard conflicting reports about this. Also are Dakota rear ends considered 8 1/4's?