Understanding the 8.8 build
 

Fixing to start a 8.8 build. Just want to get some things cleared up before I try... take a 28 spline posi explorer rear end, remove axles cut the tubes off leaving enough to slide the cut 10 bolt tubes into the 8.8 tubes. Modify 8.8 c clips to fit, slide in fbody axles put c clips in put a girdle on... my concerns are the o.d. of the 10 bolt tubes and the i.d. of the 8.8 tubes. And welding the TA bracket to the pumpkin with gears and bearings already installed on an existing unit... ??? Oh and alot of measuring and fab work which I'm guessing will be the most difficult. What am I missing?

I just did an 8.8 in my S10. The Explorer rears are 3". They are also 1.32" 31 spline heavier axles, stay away from the Mustang weaker 28 spline .
Here's a good read:
http://v8sseries.com
search for 8.8 swap

Ok... I can have the 10 bolt tubes machined down... the search is on.

Can't you go with full strength 3" axle tubes and possibly 33 spline moser axles, so you dont have to step down to the 10 bolt tubes, but using the 8.8 from the Explorer is the best you will love it, I have one too.

You're gonna have to pull the gears, bearings, etc from the pumpkin before you weld the torque arm bracket on. Due to preheating, and post heating (which usually involves sand)