I bought explorer rear a few months ago. Just did the cut down today. Went to pick and pull yesterday, got a short side axle. Saw another very clean 8.8 in a 99 model, 3L73. Pulled it out and another short axle from another 8.8. Paid 130.00 for rear complete and 2 extra axles including taxes and fee's.( I have a 54 chevy pick up its going into.)
Instead of a chop saw or sawzall to cut the axle tube, I used a pipe cutter on it. It tracked really well around the tube and left a straight cut. It also left a nice bevel also, made it very easy to weld. My pipe cutter wasn't big enough, so I went to the harbour frieght store and bought a #3 pipe cutter for 19.99. A ridged brand cutter will set you back about 300.00. This is one time the cheap tool really worked better. It has wide rollers, tracks straighter. You might want to check them out.
After I sanded the tube, measured and marked it, I had it cut really straight. I used a 4" piece of angle iron clamped to the tube and end to hold it in place when I tacked it. It worked well for me. just something you might want too consider if your going to do this mod.
Dave