Something to think about.......I'm a fan of the mid-80's Camaro diffs from behind the 2.8L.....3.08 and 3.42 are the most common with the 62" mount to mount width and the 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern. One thing to note: the Camaro diff axle tubes are 2-1/2" diameter so you need to make some strap spacers if you want to use stock 3" u-bolts. Also the sway bar on the Camaro (rr) is a bolt-on with only two holes to be drilled in the frame for the control links. PROS: You can buy these for $100.00 CON: you aren't going to find junk yard rims that will give you the 4" backspacing for good fender fit.
I'm also running a Ford 8.8 in 3.73 drum trac-lok with a 60" mount to mount width. Most Explorers are 3.73's with 31 spline axles. 94's and older are drum brakes.....95 and up are discs. Another axle readily available for $100.00 but have the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. This would be a great R&P ratio if you were running a .72 T5 or a 700R4 in your vehicle. BTW...the axle tubes on the 8.8 are 3-1/4" dia so get the U-bolts, bottom plate and the emergency brake cables.
I've got pics and documentation of prepping the diffs for both the AD Chevy truck and my Hot Rod......save yourself some work and check them out in my Webshots albums.
Dave
