Quote Originally Posted by Hotrod46 View Post
Keep in mind that the Explorer/Mountaineer axles can be narrowed around 3" pretty easily. Like most of the 9" Ford rears, they have a long and short axle. You can get another short side axle pretty cheap even if you buy a new replacement. Just cut the tube on the long side of the housing to fit the shorter axle and your good. This trick was used on 9" axle for a quick easy narrow job.

On the 8.8, this will move the pinion closer to the center, too.

If my memory is correct, you would wind up at around 56" overall width (wheel mount to wheel mount) with the short side swap.
This is great news, the track width of my car is 56", this might be a viable solution for me. Going to look at a '99 tomorrow, hoping to bring it home with me.