I'm not telling you what to do, just trying to help out here
If your going to 33's, look for the 4:10 axles.
The proper setup is 4:56 with 33's, but the V-8 will help with the 4:10's. This is the cheapest method of swapping the gears. Anything over 4:10's is going to cost you way more in parts & install labor. Even if you can do the install, the gears, install kits, fluids will run you $1000 alone. At that point, you will want to add a locker, and bring it up even more.
Speaking of a locker, the LS isn't that great, unless it is fresh, and an extra disc added for more lockup. Older LS are worn, and typically fail to give traction when you need it the most. From the sound of the type of trails you would be doing, I would add an ARB in the front, and rebuild the rear LS. Of course this is $$, and not that easy to do, if you don't have it. Since this is a hobby build, just order it all as you can, and when you have it all, then have at it.
Just keep in mine, that you will be losing some power with the 3:73's, and your trans will heat up faster. Your not going to get into the powerband as easily with the 3:73's. You will feel this on inclines, street & trails.