The 8.8 is plenty strong. My 2009 truck with an 8.8 has a GAVW rating of 6900 lbs. In my book, not too shabby. I know Ford de-rated the Explorer 8.8 slightly because they use the smaller 5x4.5 wheel and tire combo, but everything else about the axle is equivalent. We're putting them in a 3500lb truck, I think it'll do just fine. Even an older 28 spline version will do the trick. The Mustang guys beat up on them for years. As far as the C-clip eliminators go, I don't see the point unless you're doing a 10 second pass or rock-crawling.
