I have done a little homework on this for my 75 hatchback....
and thought I would share. Some of this info has been mentioned in other threads here.
As you know, a factory Vega rear axle is 54.5 inches wheel to wheel.
I currently have a 58 inch wide, old school Ford Granada, 8 inch axle, rolling 8 inch wide rims (5.5 inch backspacing) and 235/60-15 Drag Radials.
I'm considering an 8.8 for cheaper upgrades and greater strength.
All 1990-1992 Ford Rangers WITH A 4.0 V6.....
have an 8.8 axle that is 56.5 inches wide.
Of these Ranger axles, the 1990-1992 4X4 Ranger WITH a 4.0L V6 have 10" drum brakes and most have 3.55/3.73/4.10 gears with limited slip diffs also.
This factory 56.5 inch wide 8.8 axle is stronger, cheaper and a better fit (width), in comparison to other axle swaps.
With only leaf spring perches to remove, it deserves a lot of consideration.
1993 and newer 4.0 V6 Rangers and 1994 and newer 4.0 V6 Mazda B4000....
have 8.8 rears that are useable, at 58 inches wide.
The 4X4s also have decent gears and limited slips.
For those who want disk brakes....
1995-2001 Ford Explorer have disk brakes on 59.5 inch wide 8.8 rears, many with limited slips. As for the 59.5 inch width, most hot rodders know the 8.8 has two different axle lengths, with one side three inches longer than the other.
Many do a "poor man's narrowed axle" by narrowing the rear to use two short axles.
This is an inexpensive way to have a rear axle with disk brakes and narrow width (approx. 56.5 inches).
I'm sure that there are things I missed, but hopefully this was a help to someone.
70styleVega
75 Vega hatchback, EFI 5.3L/t350 swap kit, street/strip, budget build in progress