For MILD lifts (to 31" tires), there's no difference between lifting a 4wd or 2wd, since you're talking about spring, strut & shock changes only. Keep considering the Ford, they're a good option for desert running. Just keep in mind I'll still be out wheeling my kick when you're heading back to a gas station  Really though, the Ford has it's advantages, and the Suzuki has it's. Just figure out which fits your needs better.

I prefer auto for rocks, and manual for the faster stuff. Manual has the added benefit of being able to be bump started should your battery drain down, or the starter fail.

You can get away with 2wd, but you'll want a locker of some kind. A 2wd locked is approximately capable as a 4wd with open diffs for the kind of wheeling you're talking about. You'll also be better balanced during jumps (less weight up front). That reminds me - consider re-locating your battery into the cab, or out back somewhere. 25 lbs out of the engine compartment, and back somewhere (and probably lower) makes a significant difference.

If you can afford coil overs, go for it. But, I'd get the OME kit. Unless you're considering an axle swap - it's by far going to be the best suspension you can get your hands on for what you're doing. At $700 for the full lift kit - it's VERY reasonably priced. Go with 29-31" tires (I'd lean towards 29" as there's no diff gearing options for kicks). If the tires rub, bust out your favorite cutting tool, pliers & a hammer. In high-speed off road, you want to avoid lift like the plague. Fender trimming is your friend. Calmini doesn't sell their A-arms seperately. Do the Hagen Widening mod, and you won't need them: http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120102/feature_hagan_frontendmod.htm. You'll also only need one trail spare CV (if you do 4wd), the tires will center better (less lift needed), it'll widen the stance (remember stability?) and it'll soften the suspension. Among cheap desert runner mods, this one is king. Consider some good bump stops & drop limit straps to keep your struts & shocks alive.

And get a roll bar. It's only a matter of time before you end up on your lid.

The above recommendations are all based on a limited budget, tools & fab experience. If you're less limited... there's other directions you can go:
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_050106/feature_hagen-newfrontend.htm
http://www.izook.com/features/kickin/kickin.htm

I did some poking around and found this.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1998-FORD-RANGER-EXTRA-CAB-PRE-RUNNER-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ250380099377QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item250380099377&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A-1|39%3A1|240%3A1318



   Probably a pretty good place to start.  If I didn't just buy a pontiac trans am....I'd go down to Cali right now and buy that.


Again...thanks for all the info!   

Doin some thinking....and since I already have a nice capable 4wd rig...I might hang onto it, instead of buying something else to wheel with.   So I still have to find some creative ways to get a few more inches of ride height, so I can stuff some tall coils with a low spring rate under it, and some OME shocks/struts.   

I've seen a couple brackets for the front diff...to lower it a considerable amount.  Is there a company that makes them?  Or do you guys fab your own?   I already know where to get a spacer for the rear diff...if I don't buy a whole new Y-link. 

So..my question...where can I buy a bracket/spacer for the front diff??   

Or... you could just buy the OME lift kit and be done with it:
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/kicksuspension.htm

My old VW baja bug was rough on a wash board road at slow speeds but take it up to 45-50 mph on the same road and it was extremely smooth and a blast to drive.

Very simple vehicle all around and now there are literally dozens of engine options from mild to extremely wild.

Its not 4 wheel drive but then you dont really need 4x4 at high speeds.

Or... you could just buy the OME lift kit and be done with it:
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/kicksuspension.htm

Ahem....*ninja edit?*   thanks for link!   

I was thinking along the lines of this....a bracket to lower the control arms and front diff..to make room for taller coil springs.

Supposedly a vendor's working rock 4x fabrication is working on it. I wouldn't hold your breath. There's a rare few lifts that were out for a few years that did that (sky jacker, or pro comp?). I don't see why you couldn't home-brew something like that. Doesn't look hard to make.

Maybe...I'll have a look at it this summer....but I'm a little intimidated by fabbing my own lift.

You can convert to long arms easily by cutting off the stock frame mounts and move them up to the next crossmember, insert a slug inside the tubing for alignment and strength, then weld. Then cut the control arms in half and extend with tubing.

Might be easier to just make your own lower control arms out of round tube at that point  If I remember, the A-arms are kind of odd-shaped. I'm a total noob at metal fab though, and could be talking out of my donkey.

If you're adventurous you could just do the stuff you want to do in your stock truck and replace/upgrade things as they break...
A buddy of mine did that with his toyota pickup, and found all he really needed was good tires, a locker better springs/shocks and a brace here and there. You might be surprised at what you can do stock. He rips that truck hard, very hard. And the fact its close to stock has been its saving grace.

Perhaps....but it's way too stiff.   I need to soften up the ride at least...Gonna look into some coil spring options this summer.

http://f-o-a.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_23&products_id=11


Possibility to get a custom spring with the softness you need


I think OME are tried and true to be the best ride though

Wow...looks like an awesome site.  Very customizable...lots of options there.   And yes...I heard OME is very good stuff.   Just keeping my options open.  Thanks 'rjkick'.