Ford 8.8 Swap

Aside from shortening the axle tube on the 8.8", swapping axles is very easy. I've never done it for an A-body, but me and some buddies have put full-size axles under Jeeps, Rangers, Suzuki Samurais etc. The 8.8" is a good axle stock. It's used in everything from Mustangs to F150s. Just a little more info for y'all, but you can also find the narrow-width 8.8" under a Ford Ranger, occasionally. Just be sure its the 8.8", not the 7.5".

Rangers generally have 28 spline axle shafts, Explorers always have 31 spline shafts. Obviously the Explorer's is going to be stronger, but if you can't find one, the Ranger one is another possibility.