OK, I'll weigh in. If you disagree with me, fine.
I wouldn't go the 8.8 route. I just installed a 8.75 A body rear in my Scamp last year - and I had nowhere near the 2k someone quoted. housing=200, NEW axles through Dr. Diff = $300, an open (for now) 3.55 carrier = 150.
$650 and I was rolling, using the 10" backing plates from the bbp 7.25 that was in the car.
Folks act as if they are getting a superior rear end with the 8.8, you're not.
By the time you pull the rear from a ford, do the required work on the housing and get it all buttoned up, you might as well went out and scored an 8.75. Plus, it's not as if you are ending up with a NEW rear. You are installing a rear from some high mileage Ford truck/SUV.
Alright, I'm done.