2" suspension lift

I'm looking to be replacing my leaf packs in the near future, but not sure what to do with the front. As you can see in the pictures, the front lower control arm strut mount has been modded.

 

what was the reason for messing with the lower shock mount?

did you do that or buy it like that? just curious...

also, for your lift: how much money you looking to spend? offroad much?

 

I bought it like that, I don't know why on earth that was done, seems like more effort and trouble than its worth compared to just putting a spacer on it. I like the amount of lift I have now, its just that my rear suspension acts like an ejection seat when I go over a speed bump or something like that. I don't wanna spend a ton, just trying to maintain the height that I have and make the ride better. I never go off road with it, I can't afford to pay the bills for breaking things from that..