Just curious. I know the D1 axles are anything but bulletproof. But they've lasted thing long with no problems. And my rig, when finished, will spend most of its life on pavement. But for the times I do take it off road Id like to know how hardcore can I go on stock axles? I know that's all relative but if you have to put it on a scale of 1-10, how tough are the axles or how much abuse can they take?

I'm about to start my front brake job and I figured I would tear it all down to the shafts and replace it all from the CV joints out. Just wondering if I should throw some beefy axles in there. Is it worth the expense on a 90% mall crawler?

 

Locker, tire size? They will be fine on a smaller tire with an open diff. I ran 33s on stock axles and difs and never broke BUT I drove carefully off road. Easy on the skinny pedal and avoided excess wheel spin and especially any hopping. I have locked and upgraded my rear end am working on the front end now though so I can wheel it harder with some peace of mind.

 

What Ian said. Your tire size will play a huge part in the need for HD axles. Here's my thoughts.
Open diff and big tires, the diff will strip teeth before breaking axles.
Locked diff and big tires, the axles will give way first.
That said, the front is far less likely to break unless you have a true locker. In other words you probably shouldn't worry about it now.

 

Thanks guys. The diffs will likely stay open and tire will probably go to 31" max.

 

Don't bother with axles