do you already have a front truss and C-gussets? if not, don't forget the cost for those items (mostly labor) when comparing to crate axles. most aftermarket axles will be available with quite a bit thicker tube walls so you can get away without a truss or sleeves. several brand assemblies also come with better/larger brakes. one final consideration is that with an aftermarket axle, the pinion and caster angle are already set for a taller lift... with a stock axle you have to compromise between the 2 because it's really not worth the labor cost to have the knuckles cut and rotated, IMO. be sure to also check out the Dynatrac front & rear complete package axle deals, they look very competitive in price to the Dana/Spicer Ultimate assemblies at first glance.
i think the crate axles make the most sense, but most of us just can't drop all that coin at once. so we end up doing upgrades to the stock axles a little at a time. then we may one day end up with something 90% as good as the crate axle, but probably having spent 30% more in total.
