I have broke a ball before but 5 min with the air arc and a new one was ready to weld in. The nly reason I even started weldin in he ball was I broke a ball right at the shaft, on a stinger so I never took a chance again. But I tow very large loads at times
I have always just welded my G/N balls in but then again I am certified all position MIG TIG ARC, but a turnover ball doesn't make sence if you are ressecing it.
You should not have to raise the bed at ll to clear your tires, the only reason yuo want to do an arch for the wheels is if you want to skirt the bed. Makein your existing G/N work will make it harder than just building a new unit attached to the bed, just runa n 8" channel accross the bed at...
I would go B&W you get what you pay for. The prodigy is badass, but they offer a newer one that is the badass of badasses. Not sure on the name though.