the factory axles should hold up with for what what you are doing...especially with 26 inch tires. if you install a lift kit you may break something. however if you tear your boot than you can break a joint with stok tires once dirt gets the joint
easy i heard thatDano on her has one. He said it was constructed pretty well. But he has since taken the rear off and only runs the front because he feels it rides better. He has had some drive train probs, but I am sure most would agree that ride with him its more "riding style" than the lift.
I would get the Perfex Long Travel kit at this point, over a traditional lift myself.
I think they were $55 at first. Inflation must be rough.Man they have really gone up. They used to be $65 when they first started selling 'em.