They are semi-floaters, however, so there is some stength reduction, but it still a far stronger rear than a 9" for a truck application.
Actually, there are aftermarket full floating 9 inch rears available, with disc brakes for reasonable money. I know for fact you can get them in a 6 lug configuration because I have bought 2 of them. I have never asked about the 8 lug on 6.5 inch circle. The full floating axles do not carry the weight of the vehicle, they only transmit torque, so they can be built plenty strong.
We are getting off topic here as the original question asked about gears or a pumpkin that will interchange with the original axle. We all know there are higher gears than 5.14 or 4.56 available for those rears. What we don't know is how Todd K plans to use/drive his truck.
