Buddy needs some D44 answers

I've got a buddy that is getting ready to go SAS on his xterra but has a few questions that are well above my head.  I thought I would cross post over here and pick your brains since I've seen that a lot of you know axles inside and out.

Here's his question(s):

So I know I need either a locker or 3.92 and up carrier for my 4.88 gears. An ARB is too expensive right now but is in the plan for the future (would rather lock the rear first then come back to the front). I have found dozens of "Bare Carriers" online for around $70 where a loaded carrier is around $170.

My first question is do I need a loaded carrier or will the stock D44 spider gears and pinion shaft fit the 3.92 and up carrier?

Also how does everyone feel about "Thick Gears"? I can get a full install kit for about $258(completeoffroad.com) whereas a standard gear install set is $228(completeoffroad.com) plus the $170(BJsoffroad.com) for loaded carrier. I know this still leaves me with an open diff but I can buy a 3.73 and down locker in the future, right?

Any help would be appreciated.

If he is using the spiders, he'll need to either notch the ring gear or the cross pin in order to get the cross pin in/out.  I've seen it done both ways but have done either myself so I have no valid opinion on which is better or easier.

Drake wrote: (would rather lock the rear first then come back to the front)