Update on my situation. I bought two new 315/80R22.5 BFG ST230 front tires. These are the same load range L or 20 ply rating tires with a 9090 load rating on 9-iinch wheel, or 8000 lbs on a 8.25 wheel. Since i used my orig wheels and are 8.25, I still have some margin. Tires were $586 each, and $1362 out the door with taxes, mounting and balancing.
Finally took a long enough trip last weekend (325 miles one-way) to really give the new tires a road test, beyond the 30 miles driving home from the tire dealer. I run at 120 psi, and don't really notice any difference in the ride vs the old 11R22.5 tires. The new tires track nice and run smooth, they are balanced at installation by the dealer since they are front steer. The slightly wider tires fit the wheels fine and the truck has no rubbing issues. No tread wear issues, my alignment seems good.
On my axle, it is rated 12K, but the same axle is used for 13.2K, and best I can figure the 14.6K axle is different. Talking with several people, there seems to be a lot of trucks that actually run over limits a bit and no reported problems. I am going to pursue a used 14.6 take-out axle assy to swap, but for now I feel fine with my current axle. The springs do not sag or have bottoming out issues, and the fact i am running at way less than the the GVWR (50K) or GCWR for the truck is more reason to not worry.
The next big tire purchase will be to replace the aging, but not even close to worn, rear tires. No need to change them to higher load, they run at approx 40% load capacity. Biggest issue with the rear is just need 8 of them that will be a nice bill to pay.
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