spongy brakes

I agree that the original style bearings are the best, although I have never used anything else. There are literally millions of rear ends out there with well over 100,000 miles on them with original bearings that are still fine. Unless my memory is failing the green bearings were originally advertised as a drag race only bearing. Low friction for more power to the ground, but not much for longevity. I have heard people who loved them, and people who burnt them up in a hurry. I'd stick with the Timkens. Their quality has always been exceptional.