Couple of Maxx Questions

[brainanator]

Brother has an E-Maxx Brushless Edition. I have 2 questions on his behalf:

1) Chassis/skids. He just broke his second chassis and skid plate at the same time. First time was the front, this time it's the read. What can beef this area up without going all out aluminum? He has alloy bulkheads and shock towers from the previous owner. Will alloy skids brace the chassis well enough?

2) Diffs (you probably saw this coming). I looked at his diffs and was amazed at how small they were compared to my flux. And only 4 internal gears. I see that FLM has the bulk/hybrid set up...but for $70 each (NOT including the actual diff) is pretty steep. Any other options?

Thanks guys, I know this is the place to come for maxx knowledge, haha.