alternatives to an 8.75- what about an explorer 8.8?

So, gonna beat a dead horse here(sorry)

Just need to cut down 2.5" on the driver side and then weld the spring perches/shock mounts in the appropriate places adjusting for the pinion angle?

I found a place locally that'll cut down an 8.8 for me, and i wanna make sure i get it right the first time.