When you pull someone with a strap and the pulling rig is backing up it can shred the R&P.
If you strap someone make sure you are not backing up while pulling.
Do the 9 inch you won't regret it!
I'm really thinking I am going to go that route. I can get a 4:86 R&P and master install kit for just under or right at $200 shipped to my door. I'll go the cheap route for now and get some new drum brakes from Pick N Pull, if I end up saying yes to the swap I'll order an axle swap kit from Ruff Stuff Specialties (hell, might make an afternoon of it and just go pick it up, they're only 90 minutes away), then it's just wheel adapters.
What about axle bearings though, where's a good source to get them? Just like a local bearing shop in town?
Again the only thing is the money... If I can get my current R&P warrantied, then I'll go that route for now just to save the money. But if I don't, then I know what route I'm going...