Hey Everyone,
So I have an 8.8 out of a 99 Explorer (so it has 31 Spline Shafts) that I am getting prepped to swap out the Dana 35 with but I have a question. I am thinking about just welding the diff to lock the rear end together as this jeep might see 15 miles on the road a year (To and from the car wash or gas station) and is primarily an off road rig. I currently have 31" tires but will be going to 33's at some point. what is your guys thoughts? I know the carrier is the weak point in the 8.8 but i know at some point I'll probably be putting a Detroit, ox, or some type of full carrier locker in there down the road so I am not going to waste my money on a lunchbox. I am very methoidcal off road and I am not one to live by the mantra of "When it doubt, throttle out". Anyone with any experience, please let me know. I am welding the tubes on the Axle BTW.

Go for it.
I welded spiders to eachother and to the case on both my 35 and currently 8.25. 8.25 is holding up to 35s in off road techical trails. Also gets to and from trail sometimes 80 miles of freeway/highway.

Best inexspensive locker money can buy. I have a grizzly in the front with chromoly shafts, 4.88 gears

From my understanding, as long as you are aware of the limitations of the machine while it is on the road (don't beat on it), you should be fine. You also understand that it is a somewhat temporary solution, it is not a question of if it will break, but when.