[Zoomad75]

Get the maintenace stuff out of the way first. Just like anything else. Until it's running/driving/stopping good you really shouldn't waste cash on lift and tires.

Stock Brakes with 35's is certainly borderline but if the stock brakes are worn or need repair it can be dangerous. My stock disc/drum setup stops pretty good considering, but they have been maintained with good pads and what looks to have been a recent rear rebuild by a previous owner. I did have to replace the master cylinder last winter, but all is good again.

You can't run out and get a set of baer brakes for solid axle GM trucks so ways to upgrade needs to be creative. Most end up running 3/4 ton axles under them and with them you get the larger discs up front and massive huge drums out back. Chevy 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton axles use the same caliper on D44's and 10b's so the main gain on the front is the larger rotor (more swept area, greater cooling). Other options include rear disc kits, most are out there for the 14b full floater, but some are out there for the 10 and 12 bolt 1/2 ton axles.

Personally, I think 35/36" tires are about as far as you want to push it with stock 1/2 ton parts (axles or brakes). If the K5's not being used for extreme stuff and the tire size is limted to 36" or less you can stick with the 1/2 ton parts.

Just to cruise the beach or light muddin, trail riding you don't have to do anything. Stock K5's can do that without much issue other than a lack of ground clearance and street tread tires. We can all send him down the path of bigger/badder/better stuff, but in his case it would be supreme overkill. Heck, 2 1/2" springs up front and blocks out back and some 33" mud terrains and he cover all the ground he wants to without need to regear (unless you got stuck with 3.08's), no need for driveline correction or much steering correction.

Make sure the truck runs well and stops well. Change all the fluids, give it a tune up if need be and then evaluate your needs. I'd recommend 4" springs up front, shackle flip in the rear (flexes way better and no blocks), add 34x10-50 Swamper LTB tires and you'll be able to go just about anywhere you want. If the gearing in you axles is crappy, save up to regear and you can upgrade to larger (35/36") tires after you regeared.