Except for the stepper motor functionality you built into the 876, you could use an MCP23018 as an 8/16 bit I/O expander. No code, oscillator needed at about 1/3 the price.
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts...cName=en537375
Device Description 16-bit I/O Port Expander
Operating Voltage Range (V) 1.8 to 5.5
Operating Temp Range (°C) -40 to 125
Interface I²C™
Max. Bus Frequency (kBits/s) 3400
16-bit remote bidirectional I/O port
Open-drain outputs: - 5.5V tolerant - 25 mA sink capable - 400 mA total current out
High-speed I2C™ interface up to 3.4 MHz
Single hardware address pin: Voltage input to allow up to eight devices on the bus
Configurable interrupt output pins: active-high, active-low or open-drain
Low standby current:1 μA (typ.)