If you don't need 4x4, I would be all over that '77. The '87 is going to be better all around, but a round eye in that good of condition is a rarity, and I am a lover of round eyes.
Just go to a junkyard and get stock springs to put back in it. The drop spindle will not affect ride quality as it only raises the mounting point of the tire and wheel, essentially. If it is not low enough for your liking with stock springs, you can cut them down very successfully with a cut off...
I always have my intakes powder coated. When you get a coolant leak, or oil leak, it wipes away with nothing more than a shop rag or paper towel. You won't regret spending the extra money.