I am looking at installing a 65 B-body 8 3/4 into my duster. I know the leaf spring perches are about a half inch different on each side. My question is; is it mandatory to cut the perches off and replace them, or will it work alright being half inch off on each side?

Thank you for any advice.

You may be able to push them out by flexing the leaf spring bushings. Not sure that is a good idea for the bushings long term?

I did it on the 68 cuda in my picture, worked just fine.

did the same on my buddy's 72 duster, and the springs, even with new bushings, moved super easy into the rear's locator holes. is this going to be hard on the bushings ? maybe, but are you going to put 100k on your car in the next 10 years ? my thinking is the bushings will dry rot before any issues arise that will affect handling.