Getting 1961 Safari road worthy

[Airwave503]

Hello Air Fourm'ers,

This is my first post and I am a newbie with a 1961 Safari that I recently gutted. My first goal is to replace the axle, brakes, wheels and tires. Need to find the right stuff at the best price possible. Thanks in advance for help, this is all new to me but I have been scouring the forum and other sites and trying to learn.

Axle/Brakes: It currently has a Hadco drop axle with leaf springs. I think I want to keep the leaf springs and get a straight axle for a 3-4 inch lift (I go to some pretty rough spots). I believe I need at least 5200# capacity. I don't know if the current brakes are hydraulic or electric, but I want to get electric, right? How much roughly should I expect to pay?

Wheels: I want aluminum for the weight and looks. And I think I need them rated for 2600# each (right?) Found these on Ebay for $104:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-6-Lug-Ser...-/111393103427
Thoughts?

Tires: What exactly do I tell the person at the tire store to make sure I am getting the right tire? I think I want a 15" "225" ST (special trailer) rated at least 2600#? Sound right? What is the "225" measurement?

Should I consider going to a 16" tire and wheel?
Should I consider a Dura torque axle instead?
How do I tell if I have hydraulic brakes? It has a 7 pin hook up so does that mean electric?

Thanks!

[Airwave503]

Got a PM from Samb and he was very helpful over the phone. Here's some conclusions I've come to:

Q. I don't know if the current brakes are hydraulic or electric, but I want to get electric, right?
A. Yes. Electric brakes will have only a wire running into the brake system. Hydraulic will also have some sort of tubing. Pretty sure my old ones are electric only.

Q. Wheels:
A. I want to go to 16" LT. This will give me more choices for the capacity and toughness I need. I spend a lot of time off road, so Special Trailer (SP) are out. The 16" will also give me a little more lift and since I am changing to a straight axle they should fit fine. I investigated if my Suburban wheels would fit, then I could share a spare. But they are 17" with 31mm offset so I have backed off that idea. The "225" measurement is the metric width of the tire.

Q. Should I consider a Dura torque axle instead?
A. No, the leaf spring system is superior.