Cool.  I've got the proline badlands and 54/16.  I ate my 13 and 15 pinions with "happy accidents".  Added the chassis brace to help flexing the drive line.

I’m using the sledgehammer wheels and stock gearing.

Thanks, I'll check them out. What wheels, gearing are you using?

Good to know. 

I use the Traxxas aluminum hex’s, they are pricy but they have held up well for me. 

Traxxas 7154X Blue-Anodized Aluminum Hex Wheel Hubs (set of 4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002885XYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z4K5MS5XM1GE7A0V8TXV

stay away from the hobby park aluminium hex hubs!