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.