Bike Forums - Shimano Mountain LX M452 group questions

I have a 1989 Trek 950 that I'm considering a drop bar swap. I have a set of bars with 3x9 Sora 3400 brifters, I've considered using on a couple projects, but this seems a better choice today.

Shimano RD-M452 SGS, mountain-LX, I expect it will shift through a 9 speed casette, Velobase claims max cogs of 32. Any chance this could cover 36?

I know I can't fit 8 or 9 speed on the existing freehub. I tried an 8 speed cassette a few years ago for info purposes at that time. So a change of wheelset is in order. Unless there is a freehub available to swap the 7 speed for 8, 9, 10 speed... Also a M452 hub...

Brakes I changed years ago for Nashbar cantilevers, as the originals were missing parts.