d44 regear

I was looking at 4 wheel parts and they offer a 4.88 gear set from precision gear that is used for the 3.73 and up carrier and a 4.88 "thick" set for a 3.73 and down carrier. But is there any strength difference between the two?

No, no deference in strength. Go to www.ringpinion.com and read about the deferences. Very good site with a lot of info.