I don't think anything you do to reinforce the front axle, 30 or 44 would be a bad thing I just ordered c gussets and sleeves for my 44 up front since i'm going 37"s this week. I'd feel safer with it beefed up.

about the front drive shaft, well, i know people who have ripped their boot with Auto's, but I have an auto and have not ripped mine, and I have over 4" lift up front. I think the ripped boot issue is do to adj. track bars vs. track bar brackets maybe? only option i can think of... like one lets your axle shift more to the pass. side at full flex, and causes the boot to rub against the motor, but my adj. track bars don't let the drive shaft move left to right. just something to look at and maybe research. but if you have the money, new drive shafts should be on anyone's list just because they are stronger and skinnier (more clearance).

good luck with the build!

 

Personally for me I am doing C gussets, outer axle sleeves, regearing to 5.13's and that's it. If/when ibreak a axle shaft I will upgrade to CM shafts.