The big issue here is weight.
If we were talking a TJ/LJ, building a High Pinion D30 out of a Cherokee would be more than enough for 35s. I personally run an HPD30 with TNT Truss, Locker, RCVs and a few other goodies with 35s and have never felt anxious about it. A lot of the big TNT guys out west run 37s on the same axles and get pretty good results, although I think 35s are a more realistic size limit for this axle.
There's also a good opportunity to save some money with a D30 since you can find one for cheap, sometimes free, versus shelling out at least $1k for a TJ Rubicon front 44. The TJ D44 is identical to the D30 except for the Ring and Pinion size, which I believe is 1.2 inches bigger. The strength increase from the increased size of the R&P is negated somewhat because the TJ44 is low pinion, and the R&P mesh on the coast side vs the drive side as they do on the HPD30 (I think, my memory could be failing me).
The result is that a TJ D44 and a HP30 are basically identical when it comes to strength, and the addition of one or a few parts (truss, or upgraded shafts/RCVs) make it stronger than the TJ D44.
The other option for TJ/LJs is running JK axles, which are way stronger than the TJ axles. A JK D30 is stronger than a TJ D44 and can handle more weight. TNT makes a truss system that allows you to use JK axles in a TJ, which incidentally alleviates the biggest issue the JK D30 has, bent axle tubes, by adding contact points and increased rigidity all the way down the axle tube.
When it comes to JKs, especially Unlimiteds, the weight of the rig really comes into play. From what I've seen personally, a JKU driven judiciously (Don't go bouncing off of rocks and jumping it) can run 35s on a D30 no problem.
The longevity of any axle, but especially a JK D30, is determined completely by how you drive off road; Your right foot should be the ultimate arbiter of axle strenth. Adding a truss, gussets, sleeves, and RCVs would only help to improve your chances.
By then however, you're pretty close to a ProRock, RockJock or Teraflex front Dana 44, which can handle a jump up to 37s (which are almost a necessity with JKUs if you're looking to avoid getting high-centered) and the added weight of expedition gear and/or armor.
TL;DR
Build the 30 and drive carefully, if building it costs about the same as a better front 44, save and buy the 44.