A lot easier on parts that you might think. Dad still has stock Jeep front and rear (with a spool) axles. He's only ever broke 1 ring gear that I can remember. Transmission has been a different story though, but we're thinking all those problems stemmed from a bad valve body. Myself, I drive mine on the street, but when I do, I don't have sticky tires. I've only ever broke 1 ring gear, and twisted both rear axle splines. I'd love to take it on the asphalt, but I'm sure the pavement is much less forgiving than the sand!