[DrKnow65]

Looking at the chassis (mabey you could set the motor in there just for size reference) I would say using a center diff (you can put heavy fluid in it to keep it from unloading too bad) and a large pinion gear (like sikes O-Maxx) would be the best bet. Later on you could get RCMikes slipperential to replace the center diff and you'd have all the bases covered. I realy liked the idea of a indirect mounted pinion gear (basically what you are doing with the motor-dogbone-2nd diff) to keep the load off the motor bearings, but I'm not sure you have the room to do it?

Mechanical brakes are a good idea too. You could run them on the center diff just like a regular buggy.