The 8 1/4 thread

Ok, so I scanned this and did not see this. Correct me if I'm wrong. This thread is talking about the carriers basically, not the entire housing? Reason I ask is I recently saw a 98 Cherokee 8.25 rear end with 3.55s for sale not too far away. Drum brakes. Seeing if it would just require perch relocation or if it had to be shortened too.