55.2-59 8.8 Ford Explorer rear end question/advice/dodge Dakota

[Missyblue]

Hello hoping for clarification and advice as I'm reading conflicting comments in the threads Im finding

I have a TF 57 GMC that I'm planning a mustang ii front that will supposedly drop me 6 inches or so so planning to flip the rear axle and do the axle over the springs to level out my tail end. Questions that I have that I'm finding mixed commentary

1.Do you have to tub with the flipped axle?
the 8.8 is 59.75 inches and therefore over 2 inches smaller than my current axle at 62 correct? so some claim you have to tub and others say you dont> currently looking under there I maybe have approximately 2 inches between my tires and the bed so seems Ill be rubbing possibly? Im not planning a wide rear tire keeping all 4 the same for now at the stock 235/75/15.

2. If too tight are there other options to help fit? wheel offset?

3. The shaft is 3 1/4 inches so doesn't fit standard flip kits u-bolts? what do you all do about that?

4. will I need to c-notch the axle for everything to fit?

These are the big ones. Trying to decide if this is the right fit or need to try to find a wider axle. around here seems to be pretty slim pickings on the old suggested stuff. Even explorers aren't that easy to come by.

Also may have access to a dodge Dakota that is 61 inches and might be a good deal as its in low miles and good shape. I know there used to be a guy that made kits to use the front out of them but am not finding too much on the rear so any ideas are appreciated. would solve the 3 1/4 problem and maybe the rub problem...


thanks much appreciated. Excited to start shopping for parts for this project and research has my head spinning haha