alternatives to an 8.75- what about an explorer 8.8?

You can use the Ranger 5 lug axles left side only in the Mustang 8.8 to convert it to 5 lug, 1986 to 1996 were the better rear ends from the Fox body mustang but not sure why anymore, memory thing...

-85-93 are four lug axles 9" drum*
-94-98 housing length same as above, longer 5 lug axles and disc brakes
-99-04 same housing as above, even loner 5 lug axles and disc brakes.
-88-89 Thunderbird Turbo coupe 3.55 gears in 5 speed cars and 3.73 in Auto, has 4 bolt and rear disc
-83-92 Lincoln MK VII 5 lug 11" disc brakes

*accept 1993 cobra, disc brakes.