I'd say run the Cruiser axle and use the mini brakes on it.
The cruiser axle is easy to do an soa on. A cut and turn is not difficult at all, takes an hour or 2. Run the mini birfs and from the knuckle out and you're set. The Cruiser third and gears are a bit bigger/stronger than the mini.
Yeah, that pumpkin is huge. I thought they were supposed to have a small pinion though? I'm not sure on the cut and turn, he plans on a shackle reversal and *possibly* different springs. Damn guy keeps changing his mind.