Man what are you guys doing to your poor .5s???
I have been running mine box stock with the exception of the electric conversion and stiffer shock springs all of last sumer and the only thing I broke was the upper arm metal threaded rod. It came new in the box with the replacements cuz I guess there was some sort of issue with it and they tossed the improved replacements in the box allong with the softer servo spring. I was just to lazy to install them when I built it. (still havent replaced the servo saver spring. lol)
On the other hand I havent been running mine since it got cold. I hibernate in the cold weather. I just can't bring myself to stand outside freezing to run my trucks. I do get out to the local indoor track every couple weeks to get my driving fix though.