I put a Patrick's 3.55 R&P set in the rear and it works quite well. The torque tube will save you money in maintenance and be more reliable. I have to laugh at guys who are insistant on putting power steering in a truck like yours. These trucks are quite maneuverable and have light steering. New original master cylinders are available and should probably be on your list of must-do's. I have a '45 GMC and although I don't use it as a DD, I like it better than my new ones for working around the yard and running errands. It's actully easier to load and unload, because of the folddown tail gate, and wooden bed and low bed sides. And the runningboards make like ewasier on my back as well.
