1970 Duster AlterKtion, 4 Link, LS/T56/Turbo and Minitub

Agreed. I would 100% go 8.8 if it would take it since every single rusted explorer up here has them with disk brakes and 3.73 or 4.10 gears for like $100 to $200
I have my 8.8 and its been holding over 1000whp for over 7 years in mine. Came out of a junkyard 2001 ford explorer. I narrowed the long end to fit two short side axles, not fancy bracing or anything on mine either. I started with 31 splines and now it has 35 splines in it now and full spool.