My diff, this is a 10.5 diff out of a 76 Skylark. Has 4.10 Richmand gears. I cut of my brackets from my 8.2 and welded them on the 8.5. That took car of the lower control arms location points but had problems with the upper ones. had to make a set of offset ones, also made adjustable. Also used energy suspention poly bushings.
A few more pics, I got the disc brake conversion from Summit. Its great as no need to search for all those little parts. I will need a prop valve and the proper master cylinder down the road. Pics did not turn out so well, I guess poor lighting.
This is the stock steering box, I thhink I might change to a quicker ratio box out of something newer.
Congratulations on diving in to the deep end. You'll have a feeling of accomplishment (when it's all done) that only those of us who've been there can understand.