Some ideas and questions about the FORD 8.8 axle:

I did an 8.8 for a Ford project of mine and didn't go the way the internet says to go. The first thing is there are no C clip eliminator for the Explorer 8.8 so if your going to hit the strip you might have a problem.
The way I solved this was to have quick performance in Ames Ia narrow the housing and weld 9" billet ends on, they also welded the tubes to the center. I also purchased there axles for a total of $700.
Best deal ever. I took the axle to them striped of brackets sandblasted and washed, I had it back in three days, there welds are beautiful.

I've had countless assembly's narrowed for customers and new of there work so doing mine wasn't a stretch.