8.8 rear in my A-body. I cant be the first!

i'm confused i read the pinion on the explorer 8.8 is 2 3/16 to the right depending on where you look for the 8 3/4 its to the right 1 3/16 - 1 3/4 to the right if you shorten the drivers tube 3" you would now be 13/16 to the left.. wouldn't you be better off leaving it alone? also couldn't you use the shock mounts from the explorer?