Conversion of ball bearing to sealed bearing in a Deore hub

Wheels of Happiness

I have been thinking of converting from ball bearing (as is often with Shimano hubs) to sealed bearing.  They say it is longer lasting, less prone to bearings getting loose, and getting grit, and affected by water causing their early failure.

The sealed bearing number is RS 6000.

The challenge are with the axle.  4 options:

1.  A anew axle with stopper for bearing (that should fit RS 6000

2.  Put nuts inside the old shimano inside as bearing guide and stopper.

3.  Put a tube shim inside;

4.  Do nothing with the axle.  Just hand tighten the outside cones.

What do you think?   Choose 1 or 4.

h