explorer 8.8 ring and pinion

Does anyone know if the ring and pinion and center section of an 8.8 explorer is the same as a Mustang's 8.8? I know the explorer's came with 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10 gears with t-loc. I've heard that the explorer's were weaker but with 31 spline axles it doesn't make sense to me.

I have an 8.8 with an open center and 3.27 gears out of a Mark VII. I was wanting to get ranger drivers side axles (for 5 lug and correct axle length) and an explorer 3.73 t-loc center section. Do the axles and the center section have to both be 28 spline? If so can I use the parts from my open rear end to make this work? 31 spline axles would be nice but this is a junk yard build and I won't be making too much power to necessitate 31 spline axles.

The main question is the strength of the explorer center section, but any advice on my rear end build wold be nice.
 
An Explorer rear diff is 31 spline and it will work. I have that in my 96 Cobra. It is not weak, but when you build it with 31 Spline Mosers and a good clutch kit, and weld the tubes etc....the diff becomes the weak point. It is a strong as the stock one, but it is weaker then say a 600-700 dollar Eaton, Detroit Locker, True-Trac...etc...

My car hooks hard with the Explorer stuff, and 31 spline mosers. I would highly recommend it. My guy built mine tough for 40 dollars. Beats the 600 Eaton.

Unless you are running 9's or 10's....you are not gonna break it.