I used metal spurs, but I think that was a lot of my problems. Use plastic. It is far better to blow a $3 spur than to ruin a $10 metal spur that usually takes a $12 clutchbell with it.

Yeah, the rear "brace" is a joke. It's a friggin tie rod running from the top of the tranny to the middle of the chassis. I always thought that was a very bad design, and still do. It doesn't even remotely stop the flex and the rod gets in the way or regular maintenence.

However, I think you will have far more luck with a plastic spur. The actually tranny itself is quite good, and the truck has a good amount of suspension travel, as well. I could have fixed mine back up, but it needs more than it would be worth to fix it back up. I just bought used N-Pede that I am going to go through and rebuild. It is in nice shape anyway, but I want to make it really nice.