All this is good, but.....couple things need to be cleared up, the ranger 7.5 and 8.8 (28 spline) axles are the same in strength, they use the same axle shafts, the 8.8 just has a bigger carrier/ring gear, even use the same bearings...All explorer axles are 31 spline, and about half are limited slip. From 91-94 exp axles are drum brake axles, 95-2000 are disc brake. All exp axles are sprung under, needing perches relocated to the top of the axle. If you get new perches and keep the original perches in place, they make good jacking pads...What transfercase do you have, is it electric shift, or manual?? If you have an electric shift, I highly advise grabbing the Tcase out of an exp as you can also grab the front driveshaft and then your 35 swap is bolt in. If you have a manual, while 54 manuals exist they are scarce, this would be what you would want, just make sure you get the shift linkage as well. The difference between the 1350 Tcase you have now and the 1354 case the exp's have, is the front output, the 30 is a slip yoke, where the 54 is a flange, similar to your rear driveshaft at the axle. I understand $$$ are probably tight as everyone is on a budget, but some things to keep in mind when gathering parts for your swap...If your D28 is okay right now, my advice would be to start with getting the Tcase and driveshaft and if you have enough, the rear axle. When you get more or if you have enough, the D35 last. I say the 35 last cause there are so many floating around, the rear 8.8's are more in demand than the 35 and would be a little more challenging to find...
SVT