I've seen you tube vids of a guy shortening the long axle side of an explorer 8.8 with a couple pieces of angle iron and a couple c-clamps. It actually wasnt as ugly as you might think.
Bottom line, if it works, it works. If it's not jigged straight, the axles won't go in, well.......then complain.
I've used angle iron and band clamps before and it actually came out great. Doesn't mater what kind of clamps used so long as things are tight and align with the bar....