I drive a '96 GMC 4X4, standard cab, shortbed stepside, with 130,000 miles.  Has a 305ci with 5 speed stick. The truck is completely stock, except I'll be putting a fiberglass cap on it sometime soon.  I'm here to ask what mods I should make to my truck to make it more friendly off road.  My first question is whether or not it is worth putting money into a truck with this many miles (i think it is, but some may disagree).  I've mostly been looking at front guards and lights so far.  I don't have much money to burn at all, so I'm keeping it fairly simple.  Just stuff to protect my truck and myself.  I don't really think a lift kit is necessary right now, as it seems to be at a good enough height for now (in my opinion).  As my the tires wear bald, I'm thinking of getting something with a lot more traction, yet still smooth on the road since I drive on the highway a lot.  Mainly just tires, front guards, and auxillary lights, and whatever else I can do for a small amount of cash which would benefit my truck would be great.  If better suspension is necessary, what can I do to make my truck ride more smoothly offroad, without the risk of breaking something (my brother broke a half shaft at one time).  One other question that I ask is if I should just go with a push bar or get the whole front guard including the headlight guards?  I'm leaning more towards the whole thing.  Does anyone here know anyone, or have any pictures of a stepside truck like mine with a cap?  I've been told stepsides look pretty damn ugly with a cap, so I'd like to see for myself.  Thanks in advance for the help, etc. 

stepsids with caps dont look that great.  I'd leave the cap off.  For your tires since it doesnt sound like you're going to be doing any hardcore offroading then I'd suggest some BFGoodrich TA KOs or another set of All Terrain tires.  As for the brush guard, put the whole thing on as it generally looks better with the whole brushguard than just the push (or grill) guard.