thanks, I found a brass coupler at a truck supply store. Got 2. Will replace the line with the braided kind. What do you think about a 4:1 transfer case instead of the bead locks? I have 2.72:1 now. Heard the additional traction will help break things.

additional traction will not necessarily break things as long as you have more control. With beadlocks so you can drop tire pressure and not bounce so much. If you want to spend the $$$$$ then an atlas will be a really good change but you will likely still bounce and have poor traction. Poor traction means you will likely pick a taller gear and try to throttle over it. if you do buy an atlas then go 5:1