but bigger is better when you are trying to keep up with your friends with atleast 38

not necessarily!!!! its allllll about the driver!!!! do the SAS and start getting some experience!!! you will appreciate the live axles a lot more than a damn lifted IFS!!! I'm torching mine off in july and dropping an 85 axle, superlongs, elocker, 5.29s marlins 5 inch springs dual cases, i want my rig to last and be very capable!! and now i am in the process of getting an 84 with a 4 inch all pro lift, 35's, 12 inch bobbed bed, and dual cases for my dads 85 for less than $2000!!!! sorry, little off topic!!! but seriously you'll thank everyone that talked you into a SAS!!!!!!!! DO IT!