GM-GMC: 86 chevy s-10 pickup, wheels and tires, competition applications

Question
I have an 86 chevy s-10 pickup, and I need to upgrade the rear axle from the stock, to something with a higher gvw, the stock is about 2800, and i would like to get to atleast 3500, but since its an s-10, i don't know where to look, a half ton axle is too wide to fit on and look right.  Incase your wondering why i want to do this, its because its a converted pickup, its now electric, and in order to compensate for the weight of the batteries i need a more hefty axle, if you have any recommendations on what i can do i would appreciate it.  also, increasing my suspension wouldn't solve the issue, the 'fear' from the sponsors of the event is that the axle is going to shear itself in half..ridiculous, but i can't argue with it.

Chris

Answer
The rear axle of most vehicles is often aptly compared to a bridge truss.  Most will never fail from loads placed on them.  The same, however, cannot be said for the bearings, wheels, and tires.

I have only heard about cutting 9" ring gear Ford axles down for competition applications.  This involves cutting the axle tubes and axle shafts and is expensive.

I do not believe that you find an economical solution to your problem without using a full size pick-up truck.  Those can be modified by changing the axles, as you are probably aware of.