It would make more sense to swap in a 8.5 rear axle.

Wishful thinking, not a theory.

You always have the option of buying the part and installing it your self.

The cause of the backfiring certainly could.

Four stroke engine, so the piston is at TDC at both the end of the compression and the exhaust strokes. And each cylinder follows in the same order as the firing order. Getting the firing order wrong will make it run like garbage, however unlikely to cause damage.

Should have loosened the nut before removing the belt. An impact wrench could still loosen it, otherwise you’ll need to find a way to keep the pulley from spinning.

Should have loosened the nut before removing the belt. An impact wrench could still loosen it, otherwise you’ll need to find a way to keep the pulley from spinning.