From what I've encountered in a 4t65e there's no way that only one chain can run at a time. Both chains drive the gears together. One chain doesn't disengage while the other engages.
They are both engaged at all times.
But the 7/8 and 1"chain are quite a bit stronger than the stock dual chains.
The gears are offset. So, only one chain is being pulled on at a time....well, not completely, but that's kind of how it works.
2001 GTP Drag Car - XPZ, Tischler heads, Upsidedown M90 IC'd, e85, Gen V, 2.3 w/ 5%OD
2005 F350 6.0 - studded, deleted, tuned
2001 GTP - cam, headers, nitrous, stock trans - 11.83 @ 116 <$2k in mods - sold