I am just getting into 4x4's, i work on cars but not very much experience on real trucks (have a 2 wheel drive dakota) this is what i have. A 79' chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 it has a rebuilt 350 in it now and a rebuilt trans (i believe that the trans is a th350 from the oil pan) and transfer case i was told. it has 33" on it now with no lift. This is were I need help bad, what suspension work can i do without changing the axles and drivetrain but i want to go as big as possbile without blowing things up and the bank. My main gool is to have a good offroad truck that i can haul my quads in and not worry about getting stuck. Any and all help is greatly appreciated  

Well, if it was me, I would start with a mild lift, maybe a 2" or 3". Re-arched springs only no blocks they are not safe, especially on the front end. I would stick with the 33" tires, I run them on my full-size Bronco, and they work great. Any larger and you will notice a significant power loss and will need to swap gears. You may want to install a locker in the rear, this will help alot. Do you know what gears you are currently running? I would suggest nothing higher than a 4.10:1, if you decide to run a 35" tire I would suggest a 4.56:1. The axles in older trucks are usually pretty stout, so as long as you do not run more than say a 38" to 40" tire you should be safe. The key is gears. The real trick to not getting stuck is knowing the capabilities of your machine. The only way to figure that out is to get out and wheel it and get it stuck. Then you will know what you and your truck can and cannot do. Wish there was an easier way but experience is a huge determining factor in wether or not you can do anything.