I'd seek advice, even if only for the luthier or helpful BC member to reassure you that you're on the right track.
I've never needed to change string gauge and I once bought a jazz that would take a 747 under the strings from the bass player in Morcheeba. I got that colossal bow out by very slowly adding tension over many, many days. its made of wood and you need to take it slowly.By the time that careful process was over, it was happily wearing 45-110 rounds with a low action.