How strong are 8 1/4s

The later 7.25's had 3" axle tubes that necked down to 2.5" where they went into the housing.

I just found that info today as well. To reassure myself I'm not crazy I went and pulled the casting numbers and it shows being a 8.25. I'm going to grab some pictures for fun to see what sort of crazy contraption I pulled out of the car, lol. I know better than to ask what the previous owners were thinking anymore...