I really don't want to end up somewhere with busted rear end.

Don't blame you (although a lot I know of have lasted an extremely long time).  When I welded my rear it was on a trail only rig.  Also, even though a cop can't tell, I think a welded rear is not street legal (in Texas).

I would say save up for a locker and see how you like it.  Then you can move onto solid axle (which I would save up for the kit like infernal and others said).  If you go step by step (locker in the rear, gears in t-case, solid axle) your wheeling skills will be great by the time you are done.  Just my