Axle swap Hidden costs?

[DnvrJay71]

I have a 1971 K5 Blazer It's a 350- 4 in block lift and 33 in tires. It currently has the standard d44- gm corp 12 bolt setup. All I really wanted to do initially was get it re-geared. It's dog slow off the line. Currently running 3.08's with a 4 speed manual tranny. after looking into it, I found local shops are in the neighborhood of 1000-1200 to put 4.10 or 4.56 in.
That started me thinking, should I avoid wasting the money on new gears and just swap out the axles for a 3/4 ton 14 bolt ff and dana 44 8 lug? Or are there going to be a lot of "additional costs" involved?

If I find a pair of 3/4 ton axles what else am I going to have to purchase?
8 lug rims
U-Joints
Spring perches?
brake lines?
new lift?
can I swap any of that stuff over?
What else should I be thinking about...... I'd like to put on 35 in tires and run 4.10 or 4.56

Thanks for your help. I really don't know what I'm doing ;-)

[truckdude239]

if it is 4 wheel drive make sure you front and rear axle are the same ratio or your tear the transfer case up when in 4 wheel drive

[76stepsidechevy]

Unless you get something in known good condition theres still the cost of going through all the bearings and seals, brake parts for both axles. driveshafts may need to be legthened or cut down. it adds up quick.