I ran a Dana44 rear, Dana30 front with 35s. I broke the front carrier once, and broke a handfull of front axles. Was it the axles that broke or the u-joints coming apart? Most of the breakage on my front 44's was u-joints
I twisted the axle splines on the 44, but never broke a shaft.
The rear shafts will twist up to 25* or maybe more....I have always been amaised how far they will twist without breaking! But I wasn't as lucky as you...I've broke a few!!
I'm currently running 44s in both ends with detroit lockers and 37s. I have a 60 fo the rear to be built some day.
How do they like those 37's??...seems like once you get over 33's they start "crackin" (depending on the trails)
I currently have 4.27s with my 37s, and it's not quite enough gear (street or trail). I have 4.88s waiting to go in (with the 60).
I think you'll really like the 4.88's and the pinion still has some meat left on it too!
tufcj