IIRC the 9's found in trucks/fsb's with a 400 or bigger got a 31(?) spline 9.
The axle tubes fron the 31 spline 9 are the same size (od) as the 31 spline sploder 8.8s. No clue about actuall material thickness.
The 9's great cause you can get thirds built and then install. A guy on ebay will gear, and lock an aftermarket 3rd for around 600 bucks. That's parts AND labor.
If you brake an axle on the nine, it's just pulling the drums, 4 bolts, and yank the shaft right out.
But answer me this my friend, are you turning into a junkie?
Have you bought tools you wouldn't need for anything but extreme automotive work?
Do big rocks or bottomless mud pits make your balls tingle?
Have you ever just wondered what a set of 44s would cost?
Do pinion brakes excite you?
Does gear reduction make you smile?
Have you thought the transfer case is one of the best inventions in the history of man?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you might be a junkie.
4x4Junkie is already on the 12 steps to recovery. The first step is admitting you have a problem. His SN is his confession. The second is admitting there's a higher climb, I mean power. I'm still battling this disease every single day. Day in and day out I drown my coil packs in the sorrow that is mud. And the bumps in my life are nothing but bolders it seems. I need to check into the Henry Ford Clinic.
Wow. I'm drunk.
But really, be light, don't blow shit up and just save yourself the money and effort of throwing a 14 bolt in. (Might have to groove the roads if you're only runnin 33s.)
When you're confident in your skills after a rear swap, tackle a front with a D60 or somethin beef.
I regret going half tons. At least with leafs goin to tons will be easy.
Either way, good luck.