I have a '62 Valiant Signet, and am working on a hi-po engine with 4bl, cam Dutras, etc, etc, so I need an 8 3/4 rear end. I can't find an A body rear axle housing (I have a 3.55 chunk), so someone suggested using a B body rear axle housing with 4.5" offset wheels. They say this will work, but I wonder if I'd have to move my springs or make other mods? Anyone know about this? Thanks.

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Restored '62 Signet, 229 4bl, Offy intake, auto, Dual Dutra exhausts, shaved head and block, high stall converter, 1.6 roller rockers, etc.

I run a 65 Belvedere 8 3/4 in my 62 Lancer wagon. These rears are not much wider than the rare A-body ones, but since you have the open wheel wells in back, it will work with minor modification. You have to have the spring perches on the axle tubes moved inboard 1/2 to 1 inch (I can't remember exactly how much). This is a simple and inexpensive solution that anyone with basic welding experience can accomplish. True the wheel will sit proud of the fronts, but the impact on handling is negligible, if noticable at all. Take careful measurments before diving-in, but you shouldn't have any major problems.
This swap is not advisable on 63 and later models as it limits tire selection dramatically! I strongly advise switching to late model big bolt discs at the same time. This widens the front track and gives you the ability to use the same wheels front and rear, as well as excellent braking ability.

Interestingly, the '65 B-body axle is the only one that easily bolts into the A-body frame. The others are considerably wider and would require narrowing to work correctly.

The much more readily available 8.25" axle from a '73 to '76 A-body is a bolt in and is more then adequite for a hot \6. If you want a dropout center section, the 8" Ford axle from a mid '70s Monarch, Granada or a Maverick is also drop in replacement for the old 7.25" axle.