Of course!
Hi Bud,
I have been using 7 sp XT thumbies on my buck since the end of 93, still work GREAT.
Using XTR 8 cassette on white industries hub with 93 XT rear derailluer. There was a little gizmo made for alter the cable pull (phantom 8, I think) but I never needed it.
cheers,
bruce down under in oz