What the heck is up with 8-3/4" rearends?

$150 - 68-70 B body housing
$150 - 68-70 B body axles that had 3" studs installed
$300 - 68 Bcuda clutch type 741 3.23SG center - used original
$80 - Green bearings
$100 - new 10x2.5" drum brakes
$20 - 1" aluminum lowering blocks

Didn't have to cut or weld anything bolted right in my 71 Demon after elongating the alignment hole in the 1" lowering blocks.. I plan on going to a 2" block and will post updated pics then in my thread..