we are talking about the front axle right?

nothing wrong with a dana 44, you can beat the snot out of it and if built right it wont break easily, i got a narowwed 44 under my 91 ex cab and its taken trail abuse for years.

you dont want a true trac in the front, its worthless and the same as being open in the front pretty much, trust me i know, and the brake tap thing doesnt work when u have the other tire in the air lol

look into a ARB if u plan to keep the 44 or just leave it open if plan on ditching it soon my