Hey that is my quote! Anyway, just for starters... When purchasing vehicle, look for the stripped down models so that you won't have to pay as much and you won't feel so bad when you start guttin' and cuttin'. If it isn't absolutely necessary toss it. Don't fool around with the stock axles, although quite expensive at first one ton axles will be cheaper in the long run (One ton IS NOT always the best way to go, but most guys here seem to want strictly rock crawling vehicles.) Do not buy lift springs! For the rear just do a cut through flip and make a longer shackle and run 57'' ford springs. For the front move the front hanger forward and use the 52''s that you removed from the back (this will net 4-5'' lift.) Stainless brake lines are overrated, extended rubber lines can be had for $12. Swaybars are overrated, take it completely off and never look back. If the tires don't fit, break out the sawzall. Shocks from the same manufacturer are generally the same price regardless of travel. Safety is important, if you have to hold off on your chrome u-bolts for another week to get new brakes, so be it. "good enough" is not good enough. Reliability is far more important than performance.
This has been my $.02, these mods are not best for everyone, just based on my personal experience. Keep in mind that my truck is still somewhat shiny with power everything, many $$$'s in my 1/2 ton axles and some too short overpriced shocks... But I am still completely satisfied with it's build up thus far but like I said before my /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif could have been built better & cheaper had I known these things before.
