The Explorer rear is 58" wide which is 3" wider on each side from a 52" rear. If heavy loads are in the picture you might consider going with the "C" clip eliminator kit. we have had good luck with the 8.8 Ford rear, both open and limited slip. The book shows a lot of different ratios but the ones we get are usually 3.73.
I'm looking at the same Gear ratio in the one I'm buying. I'm not really looking to do any hauling I have a work truck for that. I've looked into the eliminators but found with the disk brakes they are not necessary.
