Do they make an axle outer bearing for an 8 1/4 that comes with an inner race versus the bearing rolling on the axle itself? My axles got some marks even after I polished them you can feel faintly from sitting for so many years.

Don't think they ever made an 8 1/4 axle bearing that didn't ride on the shaft.

There used to be a "repair kit" that had a thin sleeve you installed over the axle with a slightly small bearing to accommodate the sleeve. I have no idea if such a thing still exists. I think it used to be available at NAPA, but its been years since I messed with such things. Gene

I vaguely remember some saying that there was a aftermarket bearing that was offset and rode on a different area on the axle.

here you go.
http://www.skfpartsinfo.com/

SKF bearing BR36 looks like theyre calling it an axle bearing but it has the inner race. Thanks I'll check that out. My diff guy said he wasnt impressed with the offset bearings and he had never heard of an axle bearing for them with an inner race when I dropped it off for some 3.55s and sure grip unit.

BR36 is for the differential, not the axle shaft. R1559 is for the axle shaft, no inner race.

BR36 is a tapered race and bearing set?

I didnt pop the bearing or seals out before I dropped it off. But does a 8.25 outer axle bearing have the seal built right into it like that R1559 bearing? That looked weird. I assumed my rear end has a bearing, then you install the seal on top of that. Not a one shot deal like it looks with that R1559

Yes and the built in seal on the axle bearing for the 8 1/4 is common.