Was able to get teh shaft hot enough with teh torch to melt the rest of teh plastic out.  That stuff is poured in and fills a void all teh way around teh shaft.  Once I got it out, it drove right apart, slid it out, welded it and it's good.

As for teh wheels and tires, I looked and looked for 17's with proper backspacing and they just don't exist unless you want to spend a fortune on wheels.  I was trying to get a set of Kevlars but they are months out on backorder.  The trepadors were actually a little less and so far I really like them.  Of course they have only been tested out in my creek out back and the road.  They balanced out nice and surprisingly don't make a whole lot of noise on teh road.

I'll try to get some update pictures up from my phone.  Measured out for shocks today.  Super flexy on with the forklift.  Going to have to restrict her a little...