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

Best bet would be a Mustang 8.8. The 87-93 Mustang 8.8s have equal length axles. They come from the factory 28 spline 4lug. The Explorer rears are factory 31 spline 5lug with offset housing. You can use the 31 spline traclok differential from an Explorer or F150 rear diff (all 31 spline) with 2 left side axles and 5 lug drums from late 80's Ford Ranger pickups (31 spline & correct length for mustang 8.8 housing) to convert the Mustang 8.8 to 31 spline 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. Its a common 5 lug swap for Mustang guys, giving them a better (31 spline) diff and more wheel options. The only downside is you still have drum brakes. Explorers and Rangers are a dime a dozen in junkyards around here, and the parts are cheap! Most explorers are 3.73 or 4.10s and the ring and pinion are a direct swap in the Mustang housing as well.