The ladder bars "in my opinion" are MUCH better than the bolt on set-ups like you mentioned, not saying they can't work because they can it just takes more tuning and still a step back to ladder bars.
I run an 8.5" 10-Bolt also. I went with Stranges 33 Spline Axle Package which included everything except for the gears. I however run a stock yoke, straps and driveshaft for that matter, no issue's yet.
I 60' with the rear wheels alot (1.41-1.42) and with the front it is in the mid 1.25-1.30
at 2865 Lbs. I have only broken 1 ring and pinion gear in the 5+ years I have been running this rearend.