I'm 16 years old and have worked on a couple of trucks before and about to start on a Suzuki Samurai. I've heard many things about switching out the stock Samurai axles for Toyota axles. I'm going to switch the stock 4 banger out for a Toyota 6 banger but should i keep the stock Samurai axles or put some Dana 44s on it? I'm planning on running 33s or 35s and worried about the strength of the axle. I've saw bigger axleshafts for the stock axles but am afraid of putting to much pressure on the axles and bending them. What should I do?  

I'm gonna run the stock axles in my samurai, (seen in the cheap truck build up in the July issue) then when I break them I may upgrade, but till then I'll keep it cheap, and reasonable.  If i was going to upgrade either the 44 or the toyota would be my option, but if you are going to the toyota engine, you might as well go all toyota with the tranny and t-case as well.  this gives you a centered output from the t-case so you may then want to swap in the toy axles.  

Well ive been looking at some engine upgrades, lift kits, lockers, gears and bigger slpine axle shafts. I've decided to stay with the stock motor and just upgrade that and the axles too but thanks for the advice.  

once you go to about a 32 inch tire you start breaking axles. the 1.3 is a durable motor but it only puts out about 60 hp. Go 'yota. I have seen them run with a hole through them and the axles can handle a 37 inch tire  

Toyota axles will be easier to work with and plenty strong in stock form for your application. And they can be beefed up big time if need be.