[Overdriven]

Switching to a single speed is going to calm the wheelies a littleif you keep the same top speed gearing. Right now you're geared for about 44mph btw. But it sounds like your motor is already at its temp limit, I'd seriously consider a new motor.

From what I remember the Fine Design kit placed the battery out back, I'd consider moving it up front to help curb the wheelies also. As far as your weird sound, its likely not the trans, the diffs are more likely to blame. Factory shimmed diffs are tough, but don't always hold up very well to brushless power. Your palm tree incident may have something to with it too. I actually cracked a front diff case in an impact, no other damage was done either.