I remember reading your build up a while back and fro that my original plan was to run the 8.8 i bought and keep the stock gears since they match my jeep. but then i got the 35's, and well the 3.55's arent cutting it...lol. in terms of a direct cost comparison:
an 8.8 to my door from ecgs: geared, lockrite, tabs welded on, new brakes, parking brake cables, complete bolt on: 2061, 2400 with a dteroit locker.
dana 44, 900 for axle, 645 for a detroit (my guy likes to only use detroits) and 70 for the install: 2295, and still would not incluide the cost of all new brake parts.
so the cost is about the same, i mean, ill get the 44 for more like 800, could save about another 150 if i get a new open carrier and use a lockrite. so that would make it a little cheaper.
the other part, if i get a rear from ecgs, then the front is is onlt 50 to ship, so i can get a HP dana 30, geared and with a locrite for 1250 to my door, then use my axles and outers. Locally, it would cost me 1500 to get my axle geared and locked and it would be the low pinion anyway.
Or i just take the winter, strip down my 8.8 have a buddy weld the brackets on and be dont with it...lol. but that would be 175 for the axle, 250 for the brackets (or 325 for the artec truss) 200 for all new brake hardware, adapter flange, ebrake cables... looking at 8-900 and still need the eventual regear and locking.