8 1/4 rebuild

1. & 2.) Hit the boneyards, look for Jeep XJs (Cherokees) and Dakotas with the 8.25 rear- up to 1996 or so they still use the 27 spline axles. Both of these commonly had SURE GRIP carriers and gears in the 3.5x -3.9x range.
3.) Brake options-
If you want drums, any 10/11" drum brake assemblies from B, C, E, F/M/J, 4.5 BC truck/van, and others will work.
Cheap discs can be had while you're at the pick 'n pull getting your rear end parts. Jeep Grand Cherokees up to about '98 or so and Jeep Libertys have rear disc brakes that are a bolt on for your rear. The only fab work is adapting the parking brake cables to your car.