Welcome to the forum, and the world of never ending building/rebuilding. With you being new to the off-road hobby I would start by rebuilding your '88 to it's stock condition(drivetrain wise), it will be easier on your budget, and help you learn about your rig. From there add some 31's or 32's, rock sliders, solid front and rear bumpers with recovery points, and wheel it while you learn the basics. If your budget allows for it, dual cases would be my only mod until you have wheeled for a while(1-3yrs depending on how many times a year you get to wheel). All the skills you need to learn to be successful off pavement should be learned on a near stock rig with open diffs, it will prevent you from ending up in situations over your head when something breaks, or you get moved off the line you were on.
