"I want to change out my highway gear set (2.56 I think) for something with a little more go (3.55 or 3.73's). Am I right that my saf-t-trac carrier will not support a ring and pinion change to that gear ratio? Will I have to change out the entire carrier? Any truth that spacers can be used??"
No, it will not. And Yes, you will have to. I know nothing of the spacers.
And Derek, these question have been answered many many times. You need to take the time to read all the posts in the threads. Good luck finding a better place to ask.