You can run 44's with stock axles if you want. You just gotta know that every little bit bigger means more leverage on everything, meaning the bigger you go, the faster things wear out.

 

The axles on the off-road edition are still D44 front, Chrysler 9.25 rear, but, the front axle is reinforced. Not sure about the rear.

Largest recommended tire for the half ton axles is indeed 35". Lots of folks run larger, but, parts wear/break faster too. It all depends on usage. You could put 53" tires on a D44, if you NEVER took it off road......

 

This is a funny article. Read the last three picture captions on the bottom.

http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/1002...one/index.html

 

Well let us know how they work out for you. I have been thinking of going bigger but I am afraid of tearing up bearings, brakes, tranny, axle shafts, ect.