84' GMC Sierra K1500 Build ideas?

[Rohrs84GMC]

Hey guys brand new to GMSB, actually I'm brand new to the GM world. I've always dreamed of owning one and recently saved up enough to purchase an 84' GMC k1500. I'm in love and the thoughts on what all to do with it is driving me nuts! I want to make it as reliable and capable offroad while still being able to keep it as a daily driver. Any suggestions?
Here's what I know so far......
Rebuilt 350 around 20,000 ago
TH350 Transmission
NP208 Transfer Case
32'' Tires
3:08 gears
10 bolt rear end

First thing I'm thinking of doing is Swapping the gears or maybe the axle as a whole and go with 3:73 gears or a 12 bolt with disc brakes? Think that is a good place to start? Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[89Suburban]

Welcome aboard, throw up some pics.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Ill try to post some Pics. Hopefully it works

 

[crazy4offroad]

Capable offroad = locker in the back, limited slip in the front, and a good winch! Were you planning on a lift and bigger tires too? Knowing exactly what stance you want will better determine what gears you need.

 

[bucket]

What kind of DD? Some folks drive only 10 miles or so everyday, but some are 50+.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

I'll have to get the photos up tomorrow. I would like to lift it and throw new rubber on down the road but these tires still have a ton of life in them so I'd like to hold off on that. TIRES ARE JUST SO EXPENSIVE! By the way I have scrapped the daily driver idea. I'm just going to keep it as a project/offroad/ camping/back-up vehicle. But I would still like to keep it as practical as possible. No 52" Boggers for me. Just something that looks good and is very well rounded off road. I'm thinking a 4"-6" suspension lift is what I'd like to do, and somewhere around 34"-37" Tires.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Is there a better way to upload photos than as an attachment?
P.S- sorry the photo quality isn't that good, Arizona is just so bright it's hard to get good photos in the daytime

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Here's a few more.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Mine as well Continue!

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Just want to be thorough.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Finally Last One! Hope at least one of these helps.

 

[89Suburban]

Damn, that truck looks good to go as is man!

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Haha thank you! I was very fortunate to find this truck on CL. Still there's lots I'd like to do to make it more capable. So I guess my question now is what would make the biggest difference offroad and won't completely break the bank? Thanks to CRAZY4OFFROAD I'm thinking Gears and locker are still the place to start? If so, any suggestions on what tire and gear ratio you guys have really enjoyed? Again No 52" boggers for me!

 

[crazy4offroad]

4" lift will allow you to run 33" - 35" tires and wont break the bank. If you want near stock rpms per tire size, 3.73 for 33" and 4.11 for 35" would put you there. A little more grunt for offroad would be 4.11 for 33" and 4.56 for 35" tires. While you're doing the gears I highly advise getting a locker for the back and LSD for the front. I know they're expensive but no single other mod will make as much of a difference offroad. Then down the road get a good 10k - 12k pound winch and you'll be set.

 

[Rohrs84GMC]

Your the Man! Thanks for the advice. I like the sound of 4.56 with 35" tires Especially since it's going to be more of a weekend thing than a DD. this might be a dumb question to you guys but... here it goes. The photo I posted of the factory sticker parts description on the wheel well, It says It came with a locking differential. Does that mean the rear has a locking Differential off the line?