Yes, the smaller axle tubes will make it easier to use the 8 3/4 shock plates and u-bolts. Mine had the 3.25" tubes and took some convincing to get the u-bolts on.

'63 Dodge 330
11.19 @ 121 mph
Pump gas, n/a, through the mufflers on street tires with 3.54's. 3,600 lbs.
10.01 @ 133mph with a 250 shot of nitrous an a splash of race gas. 1.36 60 ft. 3,700 lbs.