I do not have personal experience running the Rockwell axles but, most of the guys I have run with do have them under their rigs. So, I think I can add some to your discussion. Rockwell axles are immensely heavy. They require a little more power to turn and the wheel choice has to be a step above what others would run on their one ton axles. Your un-sprung weight is going to be higher which can be helpful or hurtful depending on your driving style. The Rockewell axles do not have much for turning radius. This is due to the very large parts and joints. While they can be approved upon just remember they will still only go so far without some modifications. I have yet to see a set of Rockwells that doesn't leak. Seems like the boots and seals are always getting holes in them and the axles will leak. Maybe that can be solved with better attention to detail I don't know just my experience. Repairs can be done but, you may need a cherry picker or a couple of strong friends to help you lift the center chunk out. Every piece on these axles are big and heavy.
For your one ton discussion I am all for them provided you are sensible with your throttle input or your tire size. I was at Top Truck Challenge in 2008 and saw a rig running 49" tires on just one ton axles with a 540 Merlin motor. A front ring and pinion did let go on that rig but, the 14BFF held all event long. The rig was a cab truck with front fenders, grille, lights and such with a abbreviated bed/tube cage. Not a heavy rig but, heavier than some buggies I would think. His input of throttle is what made those axles live and the fact that he could just flat out drive very well. I personally use one ton axles on two of my rigs and another that will get the one ton front axle someday. I have found that even if I break something a spare part can be found at nearly every auto parts store. Perhaps the Rockwell can be as well but, I have never had them. I have yet to break any part on my one ton axles but, that is due to my driving style and some extra preventive maintenance I do prior to an outing. I use, what would now be considered, a gutless motor in my rock crawler. It is only a 320 hp 360 mopar with some headers, larger exhaust tubing, and a small cam. Nothing really. In my step side I have a 512 mopar sitting here waiting to go into her rails once the rest of the rig is done. Currently it is just a poor boy rebuilt 440 with some heads, headers, exhaust, that kind of thing. These parts last in my rigs because I am more of a progressive driver. I do not drive foot to the floor everywhere I go. I usually try to crawl something first. When that doesn't work I will use more and more throttle until I make it.
Chestonscout does things over the top. From his tow rig to his off road machine to his work ethic. Everything is done extremely well and he uses really big parts. His driving style is not what I would call over excessive but, he does have a big, well prepared machine and he expects it preform to his standards. He is a very quiet fella and has amassed a bunch of wisdom along the way. I would never argue with him about four wheeling or durability of parts. My belief is when I break, the parts are easier to find and cheaper to replace. It may not always be true but, for the most part it is. I think the upper echelon for one tons is around 44" tires when using discretion. Above that and you may want to look at larger axles.
LT.
