What part of Cali are you in? I grew up in the Napa/Sonoma area.
I did my axles pretty cheap, I think I had around $1500 into both of them. I got a good deal on the gear set-ups though. I really should have just bit the bullet and re-geared the Ex axle, I still miss that rig. Your truck makes me want a first gen though!
I'm in the Gay Area, right near Oakland which is where my GF is going to school (why we're here) but I work over on the Peninsula so I put a lot of miles on the 'ol Ranger.