Narrowing an 8 1/4" rear end, how is it done?

Sorry, but I had to laugh at the shock plate. It might just work OK, but it reminded me of the E-body air shocks the previous owner "adapted" to my Trans Am by welding a bolt to the bottom of the lower eyering. As if that wasn't enough, he then welded the bolt to the shock plate after securing it with a nut--a nut which he then welded to both the bolt and the other side of the shock mount. I guess in his world, bushings were for the weak and old. :p