Even with a SAS, a 9" is a better choice IMO if you already plan to spend bookoo bucks on an axle. The reason so many people go with the D60 or 14b is they are strong and cheap. If you are trying to save some dough, just pick up a junkyard D60 or Sterling 10.25, then weld on your own spring perches, and get some 6 lug hubs.They offer an 8.2 and a Dana 60 not a 9" I'd love a 9" based axle but I have a feeling the future of my truck involves a SAS (this may be in a couple of years) so I'm trying to plan ahead for that. I also may just run my current axle till it explodes or bends but my truck is now pretty light all things considered so maybe I can run it longer than I think.
Gotta think the competition rock crawling and U4 guys run 9" axles too