Isn't the only real problem WITH the D44's anyway?

The HB's are already pretty damn tough.

(I agree about the ground clearance, that A/C skid is way too bulky, and will catch on things that WOULD have cleared the OEM axle.

Maybe if the A/C reversed the bolts, so that the "U" was down, and the threads were up, so nothing would protrude down, a round profile under the axle could be fit, and the horizontal brace could then be stepped in, closer to the axle/diff lines?)

So, Jim, I think your D44 solution would be less expensive and work better than the above, but I don't think you NEED a diff skid for the non -D44's.