JPOR: Front High Pinion Ford Axle questions

[Jeff Ayers <jayers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have done a little salvage yard searching and came across a '79 F250
HP Ford housing set up for leaf springs for $50, but it is without the
carrier, ring gear, axle shafts, and outer parts...basically just the
housing.  I think it would be ok for shortening and installing an ARB
with new gears (intending to put in my XJ with narrow track FSJ axle
shafts).  It does have the Ford knuckles attached with a boomerang
steering arm on the drivers side and a flat top passenger side although
from my notes I probably want to use Chevy knuckles instead.  First,
does this seem like a decent price?  Also, in order to aid in
measurements for shortening without actually purchasing the new carrier
and gears, can I use a carrier from a rear regular pinion D44 in the
Reverse cut front housing?  Can this open carrier be used with the
proper reverse cut gear set in this housing?  Thanks for the inf.  Jeff