The 9.25 is a good axle, but gearing is very limited. i think ou can get 4.88s for them now, but I'm not sure. I know 4.56 used to be the lowest ratio.
The front D44 is pretty weak for 38s. The wheel bearings held up pretty well to off road abuse, it was the daily driving of a heavy truck on wide wheels and 38s that did mine in. I did run it for along time with 4.56 gears, locked with 38s. I have yet to break a CAD setup with the D44 or now my '95 Ram D60, but I am sure it is possible. U-joints are weak and will always take the expensive to replace shafts out.
