I can't tell anything from the numbers you gave me. The VIN is too old to run an OASIS to get the rear axle code that way.

The tag on the rear axle cover should look like the following:





You can also look in the door jamb for an axle code under "AX". Compare it to the following chart for the Ranger:




You can swap to an Explorer rear axle. It requires relocation of the shock and spring mounts. I've also heard that you can use the original Explorer spring mounts to lower the truck (similar to a flip kit). It all depends on your fabrication skills and resources. Otherwise, stick with a Ranger 8.8. Explorer rear discs can be easily swapped to one of those as well.

Here are the Explorer Rear axle codes in case you need them.


(Thanks to TRS for the charts)