The only problem is with a 8.8 in a ranger is one axle tube is slightly longer than the other... Plus side is If you get a square body ranger with an 8.8 is 56 in wide and if you get a 93 and newer it's 58 inches wide so it's pretty narrow it works really well underneath a model A with fenders. If you go to a Ford explorer you will get disc brakes but I think it's 59 and 1/2 in wide.
Ford made a 3.26 gear stock in the later 60s. I found 2 at a swap in '97. The ratio was imprinted right on the side of the ring. Ford also put a 3.55 in the broncos. Your 312 will survive real well with a 3.55. I had a 3.73 behind a 312 3 speed in the very early '70s. 55 Vic. I drove 27 miles one way to race on the weekends. Probably no what you would like in your T bird but it worked for me.
The Jalopy Journal
