I am not touching the cover as I found a "Junkyard Mod" for these 8.8's that I plan on doing. Pretty neat actually. It will be an aluminum cover from a 01-04? Explorer that can bolt up. Here is the video for inspiration:
I plan on going to the JY maybe this weekend to get one of those covers. Also, if I get the time, I might dig into the front steering rebuild this weekend with the parts from PST.
Wonder if the ears could be used to build a watt's link or similar.
Only concern I would have on a stock car is if the cover could contact the fuel tank. Seems like that is an issue in some cases. Just something to watch for.