The specific axle in question is a 59.5" 31 spline explorer axle. Seems that the way pretty much everyone narrows these is chopping and welding, then using another short shaft so that the pumpkin is centered and both axles and tubes are the same length. I dont want to do it that way. You always hear that one of the things that need attention on an 8.8 is welding the tubes to the center section for fear of them spinning in the housing. After all, the only thing holding them in are the plug welds. So wouldnt it be easier to drill out the plug welds, and just install another short tube into the carrier and re weld? Seems like this would be a more fail-safe way of doing it, as far as getting the housing straight, and stronger, not having been cut and welded. Is there a reason this isnt practical? Drawback is having to have 2 different rear ends, which isnt a problem with the local yard here, as they really only care about scrap weight, anything on top is gravy. So i can buy two, make the modifacations, and take the other back. Wasnt sure if the tubes are pressed into the housing to the point that even without the plug welds, a person wouldnt be able to get it apart.