in CK5 we trust
good to know about the posi in front however after further research i'm thinking a real locker in front is the best bet.
also any tips on installing the bearings onto the carrier? can i just hammer them on? does autozone or oreilly rent a tool for it?
You said you were not doing any aggressive 4 wheeling, I would stay away from a front locker. You are gonna end up putting more $$ into the rig with stock axles than is worth. Although I gotta say my dana 44 front has held up great. Locker is very aggressive for on road snow driving IMO.
As far as installing the bearings I use a press to put them on, hammering them on is not the best idea.

i just forgot, a locker in a 10 bolt is absolutely silly!