Sorry for the length between posts, but it's been a "fun" few weeks. I ended up ordering the eliminator kit from Yukon minus the axle shafts while the housing was at the shop getting shortened. Once I got the axle housing back, installed the eliminator blocks to measure up specs to get custom axles cut by strange since a buddy is a dealer for them. They got back to him after a couple days and said they couldn't cut them because the bearing shoulder required is too big. I called strange and worked directly with Tucker as to why they couldn't cut me the axles and he worked out that they couldn't do them in alloy, but they could in the Hy-Tuf race axles, which is a track only axle. I want to be able to street the truck too so that wasn't going to work but I left the option on the table. They later called back and said they couldn't cut any axles for me in confidence since they had no template to work from. Tucker was awesome and did everything he could to help but it just didn't work out in the end.
Now I'm back at ground zero (this is about 2 weeks ago). I looked through my options and called up Moser to see how much they charge to cut and respline axles. It was 75 plus shipping. Ok fine. I was browsing through my Ranger forum and found Dutchman Motorsports as a recommended shop and looked them up. They only charge $55 and are located between me and Yukon so I would save on shipping. I clarified with Dutchman and Yukon that I could have them sent and shortened/respline and both concurred. Fast forward a week later, Dutchman gets the axles in and TJ gives me a call. Turns out on this particular axle they make the spline in such a way (roll on?) that the diameter of the spline is slightly larger than the shaft so shortening it wasn't going to happen. CRAP. I just can't win. I played phone tag back and forth with TJ for an afternoon and he hooked me up with a set of 4130 axles. They measured the Yukon axles so they could have all the correct dimensions and returned them for me. I called my local machine shop to confirm how much they cut off and they said 3.5", so that's what I requested be removed. Note that is slightly different than what I said in my previous post. They had to machine a little extra off the bearing shoulder and install a spacer so that the bearing would seal properly. I believe this is the issue strange was having initially. Anyway, a week after ordering I have a shiny new set of axles that fit wonderfully!
Test fit the axles and the shortened side is about 1/4" long and I attribute that to neither myself or the machinist remember how much we took off the housing. Now I just need to get the bearings pressed on and then the axle is ready for test fitting (still need to move spring perches). Yesterday I ordered ARP wheel studs, a Ford Racing Diff Cover, clutch pack, and new crush sleeve. I'll post small updates here and there but life is busy right now and I'm going to be moving right around new year's so the project will be on hold while I'm house buying and moving.
I'd like to thank TJ at Dutchman Motorsports for working with me through the process. He was more than helpful, always returned my calls even when I didn't leave a message, and provided customer service that makes a customer for life.
Lesson learned- people add the 9" housing ends for a reason. Everyone is familiar with them and it would have eliminated the headaches I encountered throughout the process. Pony up the little extra upfront and it will make your life much easier.