I would have to agree with charles on this I think you guy's may be making a mountain out of a mole hill. I am also heavy into 4 wheeling and have a 78 ford truck with a 460 in it that I'm currently building a new dana 60 for the rear of but only redoing the outers on the 44 in front. I run 38x15. 5x15 on the truck currently and deffinately abuse it hard and will admit the 44 equipment will break but it's truelly a rare occasion and parts are som much more plentifull , But to tell you the truth every one is worried about axle strength I've only broken one axle on that truck since going to the 38's but I have blown out the gears so I worry about the gear strenght the most. And if your not shock loading your axles you'll never break one of these front end aside from the stupid engagement sytem.
JMHO Seth