With a 44 up front, definitely just do crossover and run a HD tierod in the stock location. Otherwise, you really need to buy a pair of HD aftermarket knuckles and tierod clearance isn't that bad, especially if it's the early D44 with the rod on top of the knuckle arms. With anything over about a 35" tire in hard terrain, you'll want hydro assist. Buying a ported 2wd box to get started will get your toe in the door when you do crossover, then it's not as bad to add a pump kit and cylinder.