Couple of updates. First off I came up with a solution to the potentially weak front axles. I used my Team C 2wd axles with a spacer filed to 5.75mm length & then I used 2 spare Team C alloy locking hexes (though the plastic ones would work). This set up doesn't effect the movement of the steering & at least it's stronger & allows me to use my Team C wheels.
On another note. The brace which covers the motor in mid motor setup gets in the way of the motor when trying to set the mesh between spur & the supplied pinion. I had to shave some material from this brace where the two inner screws screw in from the underside.