The 8.8 is 10 times better an axle than a 27 spline 8.25, and 5 times better than a 29 spline.
The comparisons take into account the fact that the "good" 8.8 has disc brakes, 31 spline shafts, more after market up gradeability (hd covers, c clip eliminators, 35 spline diffs...) the 8.25 has squat, other than 29 spline shaft upgrades.
So....from someone who really does not like "ford" anything, (me) either, I've learned that if you keep a POS 8.25 or a GM 10 bolt (both junk) axle under your rig to avoid "ford" you are missing the boat of good inexpensive upgrading.

I mention the GM 10 bolt as an example of a crappy axle not worth having under a chevy not matter how much I like gm.
At this point I'd put a Ford 9" under my 396 SS Chevelle* and watch all the idiots who think that keeping it all OE is the only way, eat my dust.

* if I had a 396 SS.

SD

PS the weak point on the 8.8 is the tubes trying to come loose from the center section, so tell your buds that run them to weld the tubes solid to the center.