ha ha i like that, "the only mod i hope to never use" (in regards to your rollcage). Sounds about right doesn't it?!
Dig the ride man, any plans to the engine or just concentrating on the 4x4 portion of the build as of now? And as for your welded spider gears it looks like you welded only the gears to themselves? I had the same thing happen to my rig as yours back when i welded my first third then i started welding the spider gears together, then putting a chunk of thick plated steel on top of the spider gears on both sides and welding the crapola outta em all around! Has yet to do me wrong in the years i've run them like that fyi, detroits are pricey!
ha ha