Sumner.. Ya I plan on buying another rear and changing the ends on it to the Ford Style. I have a rear end jig so that wont be a big issue. And having something that bolts right in and will work is always a good thing.
And if the 9" takes more power to turn over, thats something that will be lost as long as that rear is in the car, changing housing ends will be a one time deal. Since it looks like I can get a 2.41 or 2.73 gear for the 8.5, thats going to be my choice since I have no doubt that they will hold up on pavement to the power I'll be making. I'll stuff it full of the good parts, axles, carrier, yoke and such.