I figured it could. Good to hear it can. 2wd truck, not abused, but sometimes worked. Have considered going to 3.73. I wish 3.55 was an option, that is a great ratio. 3.42 is too high for a c20, 3.54/3.55 is about the tipping point for useable power with a 350. This being a vortec 350 with the 300hp/327 cam may help at that 3.55ish ratio.
4L80E with 4.10 is an option.
Mainly kicking around having better traction for the times we end up off the beaten path.
Side story: We were camping with Crusty Biscuit, had planned to do some bass fishing before heading back to camp, since we were traveling past that area to get back to camp, and bass is a great meal.
Took a wrong turn, ended up on a very sandy road. 2nd gear and steady throttle got us through, but sometimes it was bouncy with traction loss. Had to backtrack out of that mess. Crusty Biscuit has a factory Detroit locker, it got us through. I am a firm believer, from experience and otherwise, that if it was open diff, we'd needed a tow for a few hundred feet just to be on our way.
Triple digit heat, wife, dogs, being stuck and waiting, when driving out is possible, driving out is always best.
The '81 is very capable from what paces I've put it through. I am just looking to make it more capable. Not 4x4 capable, I know the limits