Couple T221 questions

[Short 3/4]

There are a couple of things that have always bugged me about the divorced 221 (yea, other than the noise, that goes with the territory)

First is the rather crude linkage. I want to keep the stock stick, but always thought the linkage could be improved with heim joints. Anybody out there done this?

Second is the two different sized U joints on the stub shaft between the trans and x-fer case. The rear output of the case comes in two sizes, depending on 1/2 or 3/4 ton, but the input is the smaller size no matter what. Just seems like a weak link to me. While I’ve never had a problem with this truck, I guess I’m a little paranoid as I blew a similar one apart on a 60’s Power Wagon years ago. Of course it had a much bigger engine and I was very young and stupid, but still… what do you all think?

Would be interested in opinions of others,
Tom