For the record, I have a 9" in my car now. I would have built the 8.8 properly on this last rebuild but I tweaked the D/S axle tube and took a chunk out of the tube where it was pressed in to the center section. I didn't feel comfortable trying to fix this. It cost a little more to go with the 9" but it should withstand anything I throw at it. 35 spline with a spool.
" how is the turn off at the end of the track with the spool? Probably dumb ??? "
No big deal, you are turing at like 5 or 10 mph. I drive on the street with mine! you just take corners a lot slower.
"but do you need 9" ends or c-clip eliminators with disc brakes? Or are the caliper brackets insignificant in shear strength"
Call moser they will have the brackets for what ever route you decide to take. Or what ever kind of brakes you decide to use. Just call them and they will have it. I have my stock rear discbrakes mounted to the 9".