Don't mean to hi-jack at all, but been thinking a little about the 8.8 retrofit.
The control arms on the F-150 are more than likely wider than the Explorer/Ranger arms. The mounts on the Explorer/Ranger would have to be moved, to use stock or aftermarket F-150 arms.
Uppers: I think that BTF Fab could easily make a set with Ranger width bushing mounts, and F-150 uniball outer to match width & length to the F-150 knuckles. They custom made my uniball arms, to be a little longer than they normally make them, w/o hesitation. (I wanted more adjustment room for alignments)
Lowers: This one not so easy if using stock F-150 configured arms, as the tabs are part of the cross member. A bracket (or 2) would have to be made to not only be wider, but stick further away from the cross member, placing the bolt holes the same width from left to right as the F-150. If custom lower tube arms are made the same way as the modified uppers, then no big deal.
Shock towers: Pretty sure the stock towers will have to be removed in favor of some aftermarket weld on towers, such as RuffStuff sells, or tube riser mounts, with engine cross bar. The larger F-150 CV's and longer arms are going to offer more travel than the stock setup, so shocks with more usable travel can be used.
3rd member mounts: With a drop bracket lift, this can be made to fit by modifying the plow bracket I imagine. But w/o the bracket lift, the mount locations aren't the only issue. The cross member will surely obstruct the front of the 8.8 using the stock center bolt location.
Wheels: Matching wheels for the larger F-150 lug pattern and rear spacers for width and lug pattern match.
All that almost sounds as hard as just doing an SAS. I personally like the IFS for my use, but hate the weak D35 IFS. The stronger 8.8 (even more so with upgrades), would be the ultimate SLA IFS for an RBV I think. I would absolutely love to see this done someday.
I hope you can figure the select able locker out. I have yet to pull a trigger on the Torsen LSD, and rather have a select able. I checked into the Auburn Select a lock (Open or LS to full lock) E-locker, from and they don't even know the difference in the 35's. They say all 35's from 84-14, and to do the C-clip eliminator mod on the axle slip shaft on Ranger, Mazda B4k
& Mountaineers. LOL!!
Auburn 35 Select-A-Loc Limited Slip-to-Lock - Select-A-Loc | Auburn Gear Aftermarket