I can buy a ford 8.8 65" width from expedition with disc brakes already there or 9" for same price but has drum and is 63 3/4 wide. Anybody have any good suggestions here?

Buy a direct bolt in aftermarket diff. Although it's possible to install some other diff, it's not cheap or easy. The torque arm suspension makes it very difficult to install a diff not designed for a third or fourth gen f-body.

+1 on this suggestion.

We have Moser's here for test fitting suspension components and to have bracketry already done from them saves a lot of hassle.

ramey

if they're ready to bolt in (already modded) either option is good. if they're just stock rears, not worth your time unless you're great at fabbing and welding.

i too though an 8.8 might be a good route to go cause they're cheap in stock form; getting them to work in a 3rd gen with the torque arm will break the bank....

Quick Performance makes bolt-in 9 inch housing only (Brackets Installed) w/ Torque Arm Bracket - $645

Complete w/ Moser Axles, Axle Bearings, Studs, Retainers, & Torque Arm Bracket - $1145

Im getting a member on here to build my 8.8 rear as its cheaper than going with a moser, quick performance, and so on. Plus a 8.8 you dont lose power as in a 9 inch. Just my 2cents tho

The amount of power you lose through different diffs is so minimal, the only way you would see a difference is the small numbers from a chassis dyno. If one uses a couple more HP than another, you'll never notice it on the street even if you did a back to back comparison.

Thanks everybody for opinions. I do have fab skills so I will use 8.8 rear axle
it is 65" wide which is close to what i want anyway

Take lots of pictures of your fabrication and swap and start your own thread on how you do it.

I will for sure post pics of it all when ever I get started. Lt1 383 is first on the list.