Front de-railer that'll work with 8 sp

I just rebuilt my old ('93) Kona Explosif frame for my wife, but seem
to have run into a problem. The front mech I picked up (Deore, top or
bottom pull, universal clamp) absolutely refuses to work with her
cheapo (Alivio) 42-32-22 crank. The inner plate of the mech rams up
against the middle ring if adjusted for height (according to the big
ring profile), and when adjusted for adequate chainring clearance,
there is rub in the extreme gears on all three rings. I'm thinking
that part of the problem may be that the cage is just too narrow for
the fattish 8 speed chain (SRAM M58). Anyone know of any 'current'
front mechs that will work (bottom pull), and/or a source for a good
old fashioned 8 speed front der?

TIA,

SYJ