Not sure where to start the build..

Was given this truck and looking to start making some changes to it. I want to start by lifting it a bit since the front is lower than the rear and a lift in general would look nice. Eventually I'll change the front bumper/lights along with wheels, but in my opinion it would look odd without lifting first. Any advice or recommendations on some options?

 

The reason the front is lower than the rear so that when you do truck things the ass doesn’t squat.

 

IMO, keep the rake. The front should be lower than the front. Looks better. Performs better. Unless you're building a pre-runner and need a ton of front travel for jumps or are from Carolina and want to fit in with the locals keeping some rake is a smart idea.

Before you start buying anything, spend some time learning:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1k07Og-0sYW5XSPx_g_yJsdpBXKh1w-2
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1k07Og-0sYXYGQTINrUwipVNUowO6jGz

After you have a good base built from the above videos, use these to help you decide on what is best for your budget:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv1-VB8s4vOuyCNdpUCxs3TvJ1Bp0yd5-&si=5TJdT-dspAAEstsq
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv1-VB8s4vOvWzFw7tbhVTLnxsbPCjo_c&si=jJlXR8zYCbarKQCu
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv1-VB8s4vOtDaL9ysZwNjbHZUl7nqi_D&si=qy-VzGPe458fZWTg

After the above all you'll need is to settle on what leaf springs to get and what UCA's to get (if you need them).

 

Nice truck. I started with getting rid of the chrome.

The big chrome grill and bumper on the Off-roads always looked so out of place to me on a truck with hardly any other chrome on it.

 

First thing first - CHECK THE FRAME FOR RUST.
Look near the catalytic converters, especially the inside rail on the passenger side where the condensate drain drips on the frame.

 

Lift away … three popular options for the front -
1. Spacer kit is cheapest but you give up suspension travel.
2. Bilstein 5100 have adjustable settings.
3. Aftermarket springs/coils, like OME.

You only need about 1.5” in front to level it. I went with OME 885 coils and 1-inch blocks in rear. I have Firestone air bags in rear to level it with a load, or to add a couple inches of clearance when I off-road.

 

Depends on what the truck is. If it’s a 2wd the build is very easy as it would start and finish with one thing: selling it. So on and so forth.