I think the main reason the factory wanted the lower gear ration was to protect the rear end and the transmission. If I was you, I'd change the transmission and rear to synthetic oil. At the same time, I'd change the transmission pan to one by Mag-Hytec. They're deeper and therefore hold more oil to add to the cooling capacity. When was the last time you changed oil in either of them? The oil pan and synthetic aren't cheap, but call a transmission shop and ask them what it costs to replace the transmission.
If the tail end of the sub is dipping, look at airbags by Firestone or a set of shocks with extra overload coil springs on the outside of them. Monroe used to make some nice ones - I bought several sets. I don't know if they're making them anymore.
Trans pan clickyBill
