The ball joint issue was rectified by a recall. Brakes can be upgraded, however it is still a better fit than the way too narrow S-10.
I have a V8 Durango and a friend of mine has a V8 Dakota. I did replace the rotors once because I wore out the pads pulling the boat and started grinding them. Had the ball joints replaced under warranty. My friend had his steering rack replaced as it was leaking and had the ball joints replaced at the same time. I have 180K on the Durango, and my friend has 150K on his Dakota.
New rotors and ball joints are easier to swallow than rear axle swaps, front wheel spacers and cooling system compromises to fit a less than ideal steering box location.
