8-3/4 rear end questions

[busteed]

 I have a 74 dodge charger.  I want to replace the 7-1/4 rear end with a 8-3/4.  The car has the original 318 so I assume that is what the rear end is.  I have no idea what to expect for the transformation.  What are some considerations when doing this?  Do I need different leaf springs?  I assume I need to find a rear end from a current b body car.  If you can give me a list on how to go about all this that would be great. 

[Charger1973]

Someone posted these a while back and I saved them because I found them to be very helpful. 

[71charger_fan]

Your Charger, being a heavier car and a V8, likely has an 8.25" rear. If that is the case, a '73 or '74 model year 8.75" out of a Charger is a bolt in. Some say you have to shorten the drive shaft, some say you don't. I didn't and, in about 14 years, haven't had a problem. The size of the spring perch locator holes (I guess that's what they're called) was made larger in '73. You could use a '72 and older housing but would have to drill out the perches (easily done). I've been told that '73 was the last year for the 8.75 in B-bodies but it is in the '74 service manual. Buy new u-bolts, definitely. If your current rear really is a 7.25 someone else might be able to answer for that.