1. 8-speed freewheels are rare. There is a reason for that because the unsupported length of axle outboard of the drive side axle bearing makes them prone to breakage. Honestly, 7-speed freewheel wheel sets are marginal for axle breakage.
2. What's your rear dropout spacing? If it's 126 mm you don't have room for an 8'speed gear cluster anyway.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.