stronger 8 1/4 axles

i have a bent axle on my 8 1/4 and was thinkin there's no sence replacing it with stock. is this a wise move or is the 8 1/4 weaker in other spots. i was going to cut a ford 9'' or try to find a 8 3/4 but i doubt it's necessary since im only in the 13's and with the changes i'll be making i suspect i'll get into the high 12's.