Ordered Bilstein 5100's (all) for 98 Tacoma TRD, which height, cheap lift for rear?

I would like to level my truck out so I was thinking of putting the shocks at 1.75". If I put the struts at 2.5" are there any other mods that I would need to do to make the front-end functional? How can I lift the rear end for cheap to match the front shocks (I still want it to ride smooth on the highway).

 

Well, If you did a 2.5" lift, it would be a little stiffer. But I would get a diff drop kit just for good measure, less stress on your CV's.
And for the rear I think your best bet would be a 1.5" AAL or the 3 leaf progressive, both from wheelersoffroad.com. The should level it out nicely.