Just remember that while VorTec head to add to top end they will take a hit at lower RPM in torque. If you want max low and mid RPM torque possible, you do not want VorTec heads on it.  

Well, I still want low and mid range torque.  I will be pulling a camper and other trailers hauling ATVs and other things but nothing extremely heavy.  So for all around use, are the Vortec heads worth looking into?  

Not in my book. I own a 350 TBI and a 350 Vortec and the TBI has it all over the Vortec below 3000 RPM and towing. Vortec is stronger above 3000 RPM but a rarely get there and when I do I do not stay there for more than a few seconds or so and do not tow there. A carbed 350 of that era would have a power curve similar to TBI motor. VorTec has more peak HP but it is at the expense of lower RPM power.  

So I should just stay with the stock setup, rebuild the carb, get the new exhaust, and start saving for the cam?

Also, later on I want to put a 2 or 3" lift on the truck and run 285/75/16s.  Will my stock gears be ok for this?  

Yes I would, a cam grind proper for your needs will help you more and save you a bit of fuel too. With carbs, mixture velocity in smaller port heads mixes fuel and air better and in "stirred" more going into cylinder. This results in better low speed response and torque. Bigger port slow down mixture and it does not mix as well and response in soggier MPG will be down in town too. As far as gears, without reading back were are you at now or plan to be on gears, tranny and tires?  

Currently I have a TH350 Tranny, running 31/10.50/15 tires, and I'm not sure on the rear axle gears.  The tag in the glovebox says standard.  In the owner's manual, it lists limited slip and standard as options.  I won't be doing a lot of off-roading, mainly hunting.  But this is my DD.

After the lift, I will be running 285/75/16s.  I have already decided on black street-lok 16" wheels and Firestone Destination M/T tires.  

If you look on RPO code list their should be a GU4(3.08) GU6(3.42) or GT4(3.73) or maybe a GT5(4.10) if you are lucky. A G80 is a posi.  

The RPO code for the rear axle is 1GQ1.  I have done some research and all I can find on the net is "standard".  Is there a stamp on the axle housing somewhere?  

If I have to I will pull the cover and see if the ratio is written on the gear.  

So say that the gears I have are 3.73, should I stay with them?  

Why wont my new avatar show up?  

1980chevyK10:
The RPO code for the rear axle is 1GQ1.  I have done some research and all I can find on the net is "standard".  Is there a stamp on the axle housing somewhere?

You need to look on option code list on inside of glove box lid. It is there unless someone removed it.  

if his box tag says GQ1-standard ratio-then its probably a plain jane pup w/no frill what so ever, so he'll have to pull the cvr and count teeth on ring/pinion or do like ya said Sno and jack one wheel up and spin tire and count revs on drive shaft and figure that way.  

Even std/base ratio has a option code so it should still have a Gxx something as well telling you what std ratio is in it. Every GM truck I have had since early 70's has had axle ratio code listed on them and many of them where "std" ratios too.  

I found the code GQ1 on the tag in the glove box.  I also found a list of RPO codes for my truck on the internet but everywhere just says "standard".  I think I'm gonna have to pull the cover.