Craftsman GT utility build "S.S. Stump"

Finally got me a craftsman gt. For $200 I got a running machine that works but the deck clutch is acting up and the deck has several holes in the deck the size of dimes. The guy I got it from let his grandkids paint it with house paint, so I'm trying to get it cleaned off and I plan to repaint it silver. It came with "S. S. Stump" painted on both sides on the hood, and I'm starting to get attached to the name for some reason.

Plan is:
Lock diff
get ag tires for the rear
put atv tires on the front
winch?
rear rack
Speed options:
A:maybe SLIGHT pulley swap, don't want it too fast.
B: I have a friend of a friend who has one of these, and he said he took the trans apart and swaped a final drive gear set and made low range about stock high range speed, and high about 25 mph in 3rd. I have no idea if this is compatable with my trans (his was a bit older I think, a GT/18) or if it is a good idea at all, but I think the trans could stand up to it. if it worked it would be great, since changing the pulleys would mess up the clutch and other deals since the belt is twisted in so many places.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially about the trans, since I don't want to screw it up. I will get pics up but they are on a different computer. Thanks!

Got pics Did a 2" lift on it and put on 21" tires.

Got the diff locked, I flipped one gear out of each of two clusters, (I left one set stock to keep it balanced).I then welded across each set and made sure it was good and hot. Hopefully it holds, I hear creepycrawler and his friends do a similar deal to lock their sears diffs, hopefully it holds up good. The next step is to order a set of 26x12x12 AG tires, since I will be pulling and off-roading with it.

These machines are awesome. I use mine for work around the house, and i had gotten a second at the same time but parted it out.

Yeah I remember watching your build of that tractor. I like it, its a beast. I got 25x12.5x12 kenda bear claw rear tires on it now. I am considering a bumper and rear rack, and maybe a winch. It has the electric/hydrolic lift on it so I am trying to find a blade, bucket, and rototiller for it.

got the bearclaws on. I hate it when I get home from school after dark.

And a little romp in the woods.

so went driving at zsmachines house, fell down a 10ft drop off, my front tires hit first and bent the little 5/16 rod they used as tie rods. I am going to either make new ones/weld another 5/16 or 3/8 rod on the side of the one that is already there for added strength. It climbed tight up the hill again though, i thought it would flip over but it kept going in 1rst high.

Got me a bumper built. 4" pipe with 5/16" thickness. 1/4" mount brackets, its removable. and sink it in the swamp.

I recently got a plow for it. I also have a blade that hooks to the same 3 point hitch. It has the electric lift option, so it makes my job easy.