Well I guess I'll just be different.
Since it is an 88 with a vaccume dissconnect I'd say weld it up. It will give you a chance to see how much better locked is. Plus you can get spares SUPER cheap for those old axles. I used to get them for $10 a side with unit bearing still attached.
It's not like the whole thing is going to explode as soon as you drive it with it welded. Welding the front was one of the first mods things I did to my XJ. It saved me a bunch of money and got my on the trail so I could learn a few things. It had some serious downsides, mostly turning, so I put a lockright in when I did the gears later on.
Since it sounds like your axle is mostly stock you will probably have to get a different carrier when you go to deeper gears anyway.
Weld it up and get yourself a full set of spares. Then start saving your money for a real upgrade like a diecent locker and some alloys if you want to stick with the 30 or a different front if thats what you want.