I have 2 inch 1/2 wall chromo lowers(32-36rc)(as well as a few others of ya out there) with 1 1/4 shank'd forged johnny's and evo heims. I break the 1 9/16ths both on the chassis end of my upper front link. Thats the only issue i have with my set-up. The rock rash on the links wont cut your hand open.
To compare, I know a guy who is bending 2 inch 7075-t651 and 7/8ths heims. However he only drives his rig in very extreme conditions.
Lastly, 7075 is way cheaper and quicker to produce then chromo links.