its time to replace the ring n pinion in my rear, since i slacked so long on the pinion seal. i was thinking factory would be the best way to go, but now i see theyre almost $200 bucks cheaper on 4x4parts.com. has anyone had any bad experiences with after market gears?

As far as I know, 4x4parts gears have been fine.

Most who also upgraded tires, etc, took the opportunity to get lower gears to get more ooomph out of the drive train/acceleration back, etc.

There are no aftermarket gear yet. Unless rugged rocks has them. The one's from AC are Nissan gears. With 33" to 35"s I would go with 5.14. If you tow a lot, that gear will be good to 32".