Not to mention getting a higher lift than 9" with 44's will be tippy. I know from experience back in high school being late for school...
Anyhow, I'd definately cut the fenders and buy some nice fender flairs that will cover the cuts to make it look nice. Otherwise you will have a huge gap between the tires and fender area and will look funny. Then the body lift will be more noticable which I'm sure you don't want. I have a 3.5" lift with a 2" body and run 38.5" SX's, lots of flex so I chopped the fenders and it works great. :blush: