crank options

[stangman675]

I'm looking to replace the crank on the 4500 but need some advice.  I was planning on running an M970 XTR crank but they are still going for big bucks, even used.  I have mostly rid the bike of shimano stuff in favor of sram parts-shifters and derailleurs so far and started looking into sram cranks.  There area a few options at better prices than the XTR stuff but they are all made for 3x9 and 3x10.  Is there any reason why I can't run these cranks as a 3x8 setup?   

[jimbob]

I don't see why not, you're still running 3 rings at the front, the spacing between the rings should still be the same, whether it's 7,8 or 9 speed at the rear should make no odds.