Final post for tonight...I thought I had exactly the rear axle I wanted. A wide, 4WD unit, disk brakes, and a 3.42 ratio.
Oops. When I got it in and mounted, I checked the ratio.
3.73 Darn, lower than I wanted. There were two rear ends on the rack, and I must have grabbed the wrong one. But I plan to go with an overdrive trans, and tall tires on 16" wheels. So I think I'll still be happy.
Tech tip: Always double check your purchase before you leave the wrecking yard.
So I'm cleaning up after I finished the rear axle installation, and decide I'll put the clamps that hold the driveshaft U-joint onto the new axle for safekeeping.
Hmmm, there seems to be a problem. Sure enough, the yokes are different, especially since the old one is the 7.5" ring gear, and the new one is the 7.625" unit. I expect to have to modify my driveshaft with the new engine/transmission combo anyway, so I'll change to the new u-joint at that point.
One more bump in the road for you to be aware of.
