7 & 8 speed compatibility

You know what they say, ignorance is bliss that was me till a few months ago and since finding this forum I now find myself in the category of a little knowledge is dangerous

Decided to build my Orange P7 1995 with era correct ish kit, to me that means from the 1990's and what I a) like the look of b) what will technically work together c) what I can get hold of
Decided to go 8 speed, have found some shimano XTR V Brakes and levers M950 so then found some XT ST M008 shifters and now the queries start
I will be only using Shimano XTR or XT
Can I use any 8 speed cassette? (will these fit on all shimano XT/XTR free wheels from 1995-1999)
Can I use any front chain rings M900 through to say M952?
I want to avoid rapid rise but other than this can I use any M900 through to M952 derailleur?

Lots of questions I know but I don't want to make expensive mistakes

Thanks in advance for those with knowledge far superior to mine

Good questions, I'm in the same boat. Will stand by for answers,

JT

All the 8 speed stuff is compatible, provided you stay away from SRAM and use 8/9/10 speed hubs.
There is no difference on 8 or 9 speed mechs , despite what Shimano would have you believe. Either will work with 6 or 7 speed shifters on the appropriate cassette too.
For chainsets, anything goes. The chain may be narrower on the outside, but the chainrings are the same thickness.

Ohhh Great Hamster you have simplified my life greatly

Thank you