Ok guys,

The bug has bitten me, quite hard actually!

I have the itch to go taller already, and I've only had the samurai for a week! lol

Actually, it's Christmas time, and a great time to take advantage of people willing to feed your hunger for height! 

So, here's what I've got now:

1988 Samurai
SPOA Lift - Welded (not sure which)
235/75R15 tires

From the looks of it, the driveshafts do NOT have spacers, the shocks NEED to be replaced, the springs NEED to be replaced, and there are NO brake line extensions. It seems like a kit with spacers, shocks, and brake lines may be the best thing to do.

So, with all of that said, what would be the best lift kit with these requirements:

1) Fairly economical (cheap but functional)
2) Durable enough for 120miles of beach driving in 1 weekend
3) Able to clear 31" tires (maybe even 33" tires)
4) Able to work with my front bumper (although I could easily adapt the mounts)

The following are NOT as important as the above:
1) Ride quality - I am on a bumpy beach, it will be rough regardless of the suspension unless I go full coil, which isn't economical
2) Articulation - There isn't much wheel travel on the beach, mainly just a lot of 'rumble-strips'. Ground clearance is much more important than wheel travel.
3) High Speed handling - The speed limit on the beach is 25mph. Sometimes you can get up to 40mph if there aren't any wardens around, but usually 30mph is tops. Plus, my sammy barely goes 60mph as it is! 

So which would be the best BANG for my BUCK?

I have been reading several reviews, posts, manufacturers websites, etc...and they all say theres is the best. I want to hear from people who own them and, if they had a chance to do it all over, what would they do?

It looks like SPOA, Shackle Reversal, and Body lift are the cheapest. I'd like to stay away from the body lift if possible.

I'm thinking the following:

SPOA - 5"
Aftermarket Springs -(Which ones???)
Shackle Reversal

How about RUF and YJ Springs?
Missing Links?
Shackles?

Don't forget steering!

Thanks in advance...this thread will have more opinions than I can probably handle, but hopefully I can figure something out!

ShawnQ

After a bit more reading, it seems like with stock axles and drivetrain, 31" tires are about the biggest I would want to go.

I feel like I could probably clear 31" tires as it sits, but may get a bit more lift just for insurance. I'm thinking of maybe just a 2" body lift.

With that said, it looks like I'm going to look into better shocks (make sure they are correct length), check my driveshafts to see if spacers are needed, and check my brake hoses.

It seems like once you start getting higher, the 6" rule takes effect. You then need driveshafts, etc. Your larger tires start to break more things and it's probably not worth it for the low amount of wheeling that I'll be doing.

I think I'll save the lift budget for a set of gears for the t-case and/or diffs, and engine mods or an engine swap for later. The 31's should do just fine for what I need.

SQ

Personally I'd go for the RUF and the YJ springs and relocate the front axle an inch or two further forward to get the clearance. You might be able to use your existing shocks if you relocate them, how much travel do they have?

I'm not sure how much travel the shocks have...but they look like they need to be replaced, old and worn out looking.

What's the best way to move the axle forward, just move the spring mounts or move the spring perch in relation to the spring?

Also, if I move the axle forward, I'll need a new front shaft, wont i?

SQ

Trail tough's yj suspension.  this moves the axle forward 1" gives a lot better ride.  Adds alot of flex, but your not looking for that. 

personally I would not look for aftermarket springs.  they are stiffer generally pretty stiff. 

A ruf setup would be another option.  The one I had on mine before I went with YJ would clear a 33" tire with some fender trimming.  These kits will generally move your axle forward.  You can save a little $$$ by using a shaft spacer on both ends of the front driveshaft. 

If you keep the rear spring mounts at the front in the same place and use longer springs then the axle is moved forward.