Need exact measurementss!
 

98 cobra rear end length from hub to hub.

and 99-04 rear end length.

could an explorer axle be used for an 8.8 swap??

Explorer axle can't be used unless you want to fabricate the brackets to attach to your car. Not sure on the exact measurements on the axles but the 98 Cobra axle is around 0.25-0.50" shorter than the 99-04, but can still be swaped into the 99-04 cars, just different bolt sizes. 12-14mm IIRC.

AFAIK the axle shafts can be used on 96-98 cars but NOT on 99-04. Don't quote me. Really, I'd just get some superior or moser axles from summit and be happy you know the quality is there. Then you don't even usually have to bother with a spline upgrade so you can use your existing differential.

The axle housing will need extensive modification of brackets and such. It's a PITA unless you have a jig to keep everything lined up and square.

Since it's just an 8.8 swap, here's a tip: you can use a 96-98 axle on a 99-04 (they're cheaper and way easier to find lately). Bolts right up. You will want however to add 1" wheel spacers to put the wheels back out where they belong.

Sweet exactly what i was looking for..

I'll buy this cobra rear, its got 3.73s in it, and i dont know what price to throw at him.. But im thinking 300 - 400 is fair..

yeah that sounds decent. Depending on miles. What year cobra?

The only issues you're likely to run into are that you'll need to in general replace the brake lines from the hardline to the rear calipers (20-30 bucks a piece) and you will want to use your existing control arms so you don't have to bust out the 14mm drill bit (you still might... I don't remember, but I don't think so)