I still have the stock 18MT pinion, whatever that is, haven't changed anything. Last time I was running it with the MT tires and all the oil puked out of the stock shocks making it actually torque twist and balloon the left front tire. I flipped the arms on both the front and rear to get a longer and more stable wheelbase (should help with jumping too), but even with the 18T "pin" tires and my LRP 1200 pack it doesn't wheelie. I'm going to get some Associated FT shocks before I do anything else to it though, I'll build it up like my friend's that has all rear shocks and super ground clearence for jumping and stuff.

Not sure what the stock gearing is on the MT, but mine on my T was 14/60.

I also had the problem of the stock shocks popping the caps off. I ended up buying a set of 3racing threaded aluminum shocks on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN%3AIT&rd=1
They come with new ballstuds and pistons with different hole configurations also.

I do like the idea of flipping the A-Arms for extra length though...I might have to try that out. It would probably also help my wheelie issue.

If you flip the arms you have to drill new holes for the lower shock mounts, not that hard though.