New member 97 suspension help!

I've had my 97 ex cab 4x4 pretty much forever. Currently 280000 miles on it.
I've decided to just go through this truck, rather than shop for a newer one. Still doing great, but I'm going to start with suspension upgrades, as I've never done anything at all to the suspension...I'd say it's time.
I'd like to get an inch or 2 lift, and a little stiffer springs to accommodate a winch, and some gear in the bed. My head is spinning trying to put this together, looking at old man emu stuff, through wheelers etc. But they don't suppy a ready made "kit for the 95-⁹⁷. Best I can tell it's because of the rear springs being a different length than the later 1st gens. Can someone help me out? I just want to get the stuff headed this way, but I'm struggling putting it all together.
Thanks for any input!
See ya out there!

 

Well, this topic is beaten extensively with tons of valuable information repeated many times over.

The only real specific thing here is, as you nailed it, the leaf pack.

There are two different lengths, so you will want to stick with a 95.5-97 variant.

Aside from that, everything else is repeated over and over.

As for no "ready made kit", that's because everyone's use is different, plus your truck is over 25 years old.

Some buy a longer rear brake line if they really intend to offroad, and some don't (even if they do offroad).

Some chop their exhaust, others buy a separate relocation bracket kit.

Some have a bigger budget, and go 2.5 shocks both front and rear whereas others stick with slightly larger diameter bodies than stock.

Going along with bigger budget, custom leaf pack or off the shelf; unless you have some welding skills then you could just opt for your own leaf pack and weld in new hangers.

The information's there; just need to have an end goal so you can steer yourself in the right direction.

 

ome does infact sell a 95-97 kit.