OldIHC

Im curious about this because ive never been sure what youre looking for when doing it, when you're trying to find an axle for your vehicle application, what are you looking for besides width?

Ethan, Width is important, so is the "carry" capacity of the Axle. Another thing is to consider Bolt spacing on the hubs. If keeping your original front axle, It is 5 on 4 1/2 Which is why lots of folks go with the explorer axle, it is also 5 on 4 1/2.
If you were to find an axle that fit width wise from a car, that axle may not be rated for the weight that you "could" carry on your truck. As several people state, If it is Not right, your insurance MAY not pay if something happens.

My Thoughts, others will have more to add I am sure.

Thanks Lloyd!

As a point of reference, when I was replacing my rear axle with a 9", I measured the original axle at 59.75". Typically that measurement is taken with the wheels off the axles and the measurement is taken from the surface on the brake drum the wheel rests against to the same surface on the opposite side. To get that dimension without someone helping, you can drill a hole large enough to fit over a lug bolt near the end of a piece of wood that extends a couple of inches past the edge of the brake drum. Secure the piece of wood onto the lug with a lug nut enough to be snug and not wobble. Make sure the surface of the wood is flat on the brake drum. You can do the same thing on the opposite side trying to align the pieces of wood so they are straight down. Use a tape measure to get the distance between the two pieces of wood not including the wood. (Be sure the pieces of wood aren't riding up on the center hub.)

Ethan, check this 8.8 ford rear out, maybe talk to him
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3224&start=10

Thanks Kevin!