If you wheel that often I would go with option number 1. I have never been on the trail and said "wow, I wish I had a ton more power"

 

Thank you, what to buy it?!

 

I agree about not needing power on the trail as you are in low range. However, the drive to the trail and the drive to work every day i woud like the power. i live at 6000 feet elevation and weekly drive to 11,ooo + feet for the trails. I can assure you that the anemic 3.8 on 35"+ tires is miserable to drive at that altitude while climbing a 30 degree grade.

 

But if you re-gear I think you should be fine.

 

Well, I decided to get the bulletprove drivetrain to start with. I ordered a set of Dynatrac Prorock60's!!!

I am very excited, as this is stage1!

Stage II will be the Hemi and some 42's in place of the 38's! (in a year or two anyway)

 

I think you made the right choice. Given that this is both your wheeling toy and your DD, building up your drivetrain BEFORE you build up your engine is a very sound choice.

Even on 35's, I'd wager that a hemi with 4.88 gears wouldn't have a hard time snapping shafts. You'd have to wheel fairly carefully, and you don't really sound like you're....cautious....while wheeling