Ford 8.8 Questions

so here's all the mopar axle specs:
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/an-accurate-8-3-4-rear-axle-width-list.365494/
here's the 8.8 specs:
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-8-8-inch-rear-axle-history-and-specs/
if you're fine with drums, the best bet seems to be the early ranger setup. obviously, you'll need to move perches. however, there are *some* brake combos that the back side of the drum *might* cause interference with stock located leafs. (i have not tested this). but all the other rear end swap stuff is old hat: shock plates, u bolts, shorten drive shaft. the pinion is *slightly* off center more than the mopar stuff, but unless you have giant exhaust the clearance should be fine. should. maybe. probably.

5 lug aftermarket axles are spendy, just fyi. the mustang swap is the same boogie of different length axles, so you'll need a left side out of a ranger which... good luck, the skittering yard demons know this and snatch them all up. including, likely from the ranger rearend you are planning on pulling...

for my money, the explorer 8.8 seems like the better bet. it's a little more lift in the fab department but you get the benefit of discs, parts availability and cost, likelihood of finding the gear ratio you want in an LSD and typically explorers aren't beat to death like trucks are.