Lift kit

I guess I just want more of a beefy look to it you know what I mean

 

Start simple. Get 255/85/16 or 255/80/17 tires and a good alignment. The truck will sit 1.5” higher off the ground simply from the larger tires. If that doesn’t look good to you add a cheap 2/1 spacer lift. The front of the truck will then sit 3.5” higher than stock.

 

there will be at the rear bumper. you can simply redrill new mounting holes 1" downward to fix this. ive done the 1" bl on my 1st gen and will be doing the same on my 3rd gen for better clearance for 35s. its the only way to truly clear them without sacrificing travel with bump stop spacers and cutting out the inner fender up top where the battery box sits. some guys just let it hit and rub but it cracks the rad support over time.

 

For that budget your going to end up with something that is going to sacrifice in ride quality, and potentially create more problems down the road if you dont replace other parts (EGCS bushing, UCA's, etc..). If you dont do that you're going to be spending more money in repairs down the road. It makes more sense to put a quality lift on the vehicle.

I was in a similar position, and almost got the wescott 3/2 preload spacer kit, they advertise you can get 3" in the front without the need for replacing UCA's and still being able to achieve proper alignment.

I decided a better and a little more expensive solution was to compromise to the Bilstein 5100 kit on top notch (2" front) and a 1" block in the back. That way Im actually changing the shocks and they make the truck drive A LOT better than the factory shocks I had. I have no regrets compromising that inch because i love the ride quality i've got now.

I understand wanting to do this stuff on budget, but in my past experiences, when you go the cheaper route in terms of suspensions, you end up paying more in the long run to change it later.

If you're dead set on a under 1000 lift, look at rough country kits, or a Wescott or readylift pre-load kit. Do lots of research and make the best decision that suits you in the long run.

 

Save your money and do it right later down the road, don't cheap out on a lift for looks.