I've got discs in front and late **** drums in the back already so I'm OK in the braking department. I have the beam in front so it still isn't what you would want for sudden major moves, but I don't plan on trying to outrun Phat. You have all given me a lot to think about. As usual I short on coin so I'll navel gaze this a bit more.
Inverse21, as far as cost of gears, this is a **** 9” so new gears are under $200. I've never changed ring & pinion so I might have to farm that out.
I like your idea Alexandre about running larger diameter tires to test the difference. That is a cheap test even if I have to get a couple from the wrecker.