Should I be pissed that it's not an 8 3/4?

As a '74 it's likely the original axle. He probably just assumed it was an 8 3/4 or doesn't know what one looks like.

Don't trash that axle, it's good for 4.5" bolt circle swaps in low hp drivers.
so u mean replace it now instead of wrecking it for anyone else at the track? Ya probably a good idea, just figured it was the ONE thing on the car I didn't need to upgrade. Since the 8 1/4 was the stock for 73, 74 it makes sense, but he said he had done work on the bottom end and the case looks brand new. Has it been too long or should I cry foul? I mean I might get a rebate, but I feel dumb for taking so long to check it.