2nd E Locker Axle: Keep it or Swap

For some background, my E locker currently isn't working. I'd swap to a manual actuator, but I'm at a bit of a crossroads with whether to keep the rear axle or swap it. The truck is currently on 37s, and will likely be going on 40s in the somewhat near (2-3 years) future. I don't rock crawl it, most of my wheeling is done in the snow. But it is going to end up with 400lb+ in the bed bound up in a wash at some point... That's likely the worst case scenario for it. This is the third one of these axles I've had. The two previous were in 1st gens with 255/85R16s. I've never broken one or had to repair anything but axle seals (and now the E locker). I don't drive them nice, but I'm not bouncing up rock walls either.
Between needing to regear, linking the rear end, the locker not working, and the rear axle getting close to needing bearings I need to make a decision as to whether to keep this axle or not. If I keep it, it will get a full install kit with all new bearings and seals, a manual locker actuator, axle truss, new gears, and maybe an FROF full float conversion.
Despite not wheeling the truck extremely hard, if I break something 90% of the time it will be in the middle of nowhere, by myself, and I'm not going to carry an extra axle shaft or 3rd member. My thinking is that I'm best of with a 14 bolt or similar. Is the Toyota 8" stronger (once reinforced) than I'm giving it credit for or is it best to ditch it now and not put money into it?

 

I mean you're planning on 40's time for that ARB locker and a full rebuild, the e locker has some weird quirks but having that mechanical aspect would be nicer knowing it is locked up or open.

 

40's..... honestly surprised the elocker hasnt grenaded on 37's. Move up to a current gen tundra axle for the extra beef and throw an eaton elocker in it.

 

Sounds like a new axle will be in your future.

"Tons & 40's" is a lot more common than "factory axles and 40's".

edit: buy if you do want a spare Toyota setup, I can help with that.

 

Never knew there was a manual actuator for our e-lockers. Thats super cool