If you took out the front axles (should not need 4WD on this trip) it will improve things tremendously in the fuel consumption/noise/vibration/steering departments. Just disconnecting the drive shaft still leaves you turning over all the axle/diff machinery. If you want to go one step further you could drop out the transfer case for another 50% reduction in gear noise and get a prop shop to make a straight drive shaft.
Not a big job to change diff ratios and probably easier and cheaper than fitting other gear boxes. Half a day at the diff shop and drive away.
If you are going to fit a 5 speed gear box you would be better off with a Toyota Dyna box instead of a big clunky agricultural GMC box. Changing a gear box sounds simple but once started you chase your tail because the new box needs new mounts, gear stick hole has to be changed (and sometimes floor humped), tail shaft length may need to be altered etc.
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