Why don't cha look for an old CJ or later four wheeler, there
are lots of them around for well under a grand.
I don't believe telling someone to buy a jeep is the best advise on a chevy truck forum.
However Denny is correct about the front not handeling rocks very well. The steering arm is a weak link and is very easy to shatter if the wheels are jammed hard on a curb or speed bump in on road driving conditions. Ask me how I know... I have broken 3 steering arms and counting...
Finding a transfer case and a Dana 44 front axle will give a minimum 6 inch lift in the front. A disc brake open knuckled 44 would be prefered, but a drummed close knuckled axle could be used. 4wd tie rods and steering arms are a bit more robust for off road use.
