IMO I would buy a 88+ GM 4x4 for best bang for your buck. This coming from a guy who has had a TON of 81-87 GM 4x4s. There quite a few on craigslist in your price range. They drive great and honestly have few problems. The 88-94 trucks interiors wear like iron! They have their own inherent issues mostly idler/pitman arm wear, door handles. I still love the 73-87 trucks but for a "driver" you can not beat a 88-98 GM4x4!
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3915579814.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3913048165.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3901619095.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3899170299.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3888150967.html
These are just some example i found with a quick search using "silverado"