I am going to lift my '8.5 sammy. I need opinions on what lift to use. Calmini shackle reverse or 3'' springs? If I go with springs what do you recommend deaver, old man emu or cheap ones? Will I need to change pinion angles? This sammy is a daily driver. Hoping to put a 4.3/200r4 combo in the future. Thanks in advance.

You should do a search on the various lifts, you will find a lot of details on what people have run into when lifting up the Sammy's.

The 3" is stiff, but stable.  I'm a fan of the SPOA with a high-steer kit.  Is this going to be DD only or DD + Light trail?  What size tires are you looking to run on it?

It is going to be a DD+light trail. Probably run 30" tires. I don't want to get it too high as my wife will be using it on a paper route this winter.

I would recommend the OME springs in your case. I have never tried the Deavers so I can't comment there. You will have to trim the bumper mounts to run 30's but it's no big deal. You also don't have to worry about a lot of the issues that come with a spring over. this is about what it would look like.

I recommend the Lost Link with the Jeep springs. Its what I have on my rig now and they ROCK.

However, if thats not an option definitely go with the OME. I had these on my first Sammy, and they were wonderful. Its a nice lift and a great all around ride.

JMO. 

Here is mine with 30x9.50s and a 2" body lift.

If it were me, i'd stick with 29" tires. They're cheaper, and will suck less power / gas mileage. You also won't need a lift at all, and can keep great stability with a low center of gravity. My 4-door on 29" tires, and open diffs goes everywere but the toughest trails. Save your money for lockers. If you do go with a lift anyway - I like the Calmini shackle reversal in DD / weekend warrior applications. Cheap, easy to install & good ride characteristics.

Here's mine with 1.5" of true suspension lift (longer travel) and the Pep-Boys Dakota 29" tires (made by cooper).

I think I will go with the 3" OME lift. Will I need to get a drop pitman arm and longer shocks?
Many thanks for all the replies!!