If you haven't bought a rear end yet you might consider using an Explorer. It is an 8.8" instead of a 9" but has held up well behind 1500hp engines. The mega horsepower engine guys weld the axle tubes to the center section and use a "C" clip eliminator kit but no rework is necessary for any tire that will fit inside an AD fender. It is 59.5" wide so a 1" spacer is needed to match your old rear or you can use a 1" adapter to match the front wheel bolt pattern. If you choose a disc brake one the E-brake drum is inside the rotor so the cable is just like your old one which is a real plus. Very plentiful selling in the $150-$250 range and is a leaf spring rear end so not a lot of extra brackets to cut off.

Evan