Bicycle Mechanics - 7-speed to 8-speed??

So, here's the problem. I've got a good rear Shimano LX mtb wheel and hub but it's only a 7-speed. I'd like to put this wheel on a newer mountain bike and would like to know if ill be able to squeeze an 8-speed Shimano casette and retain gear changing ability.

Sorry if that's a bit confusing, but hopefully you get the main idea :)

It's doable. One way is to put 8 of the 9 cogs of a 9-speed cassette on the 7-speed freehub, and use 9-speed shifters.

The better solution is to replace the 7-speed freehub body with an 8/9/10-speed freehub body. This will make the hub wider as well, which will be fine to fit a newer frame. You'll need to redish the wheel slightly.

So, here's the problem. I've got a good rear Shimano LX mtb wheel and hub but it's only a 7-speed. I'd like to put this wheel on a newer mountain bike and would like to know if ill be able to squeeze an 8-speed Shimano casette and retain gear changing ability.

Sorry if that's a bit confusing, but hopefully you get the main idea :)

It's not too much of a project. You need to buy an 8-speed freehub body for about $25.00. Replace the narrower 7-speed freehub body, remove a spacer from the axle set and redish the wheel. It sounds like a bigger deal than it really is.

Ahhh - i think i understand now... There's no need to start removing spokes then??

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=45
^^ something like on that site??