red sled far from dead.

looking at the axle parts list last month gave me an idea (you probably thought it too but just in case) why don't you adapt a portal hub such as that from axle tech, or from a surplus hummer, to replace the existing knuckles on the sled. This should give you lift without a kit, thereby retaining factory geometry,while increasing clearance,(without a lift kit diff goes back up between frame rails)and more importantly, reducing torque load on half shafts and center section. this could be the next big thing instead of solid axle swaps.