Patrick, the Ford Explorer uses 4.5" bolt circle, not the 5x4". I´m in the process of altering this axle for using in my Valiant. The longer axle tube must be shortened to the same length as the short one, then you can use another short drive shaft. Mine is the same, 3,73 Gears with Traction-Lok....be careful during disassembly, i read that the cross pin in the carrier can break easily and then you have a problem. I disassembled two of these, after warming up a bit the pin came out without problems.
Do a search here on the forum, one guy made nice pics of the mods and the swap. (found the link:
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=89918)
Michael
