8.8" Ranger axle info here:
https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml
Rangers used 28-spline/1.21" diameter axles from 1983 to 2011 so all years, regardless of 7.5" or 8.8" ring gear
Tube diameter was 2.80" from 1983 to 2009 for 7.5" or 8.8"
2010/11 got 3.25" tubes with disc brakes but axles were same 28-spline/1.21" diameter
Exception was the 4x4 Rangers that used the Torsen Limited Slip differential, it used 31-spline axles, these were first offered in the 2002 FX4 model, then in 2003 and up the FX4 Level II
You would have to change the differential to use 31-spline but would still have same axle diameter
You could swap in an Explorer rear end which has 31-spline and larger diameter axle