that supports the idea of just gettin the 400 dollar kit and be done with it. by the time you trek all over gods country looking for tidbit's that 400 bones wont seem like much!

Kits have their place. 

FWIW
The first page of my build http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/tracker-2x4-rockers-frnt-bmper-4-dr-sprngs-lwered-frnt-diff-$30-steel-frnt-diff/ has description of what I experienced with different springs and spacers.  The GV rear springs I tried were smaller diameter, and needed the bump stop and bottom positioning cone modified to be used (which is why I never used them). 
I am now trying a set of YJ springs on rear, and getting easy 3" lift, bouncing on it seems close to same rate as 4 door springs.  I cut smaller end enough to allow it to go over positioning cone, and squeezed the large end in vise enough to bend it so it sets inside of upper spring mount (with rubber ring).  It is setting a little tall for the 30" tires I am using (must be a solution to that).

FWIW
The first page of my build http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/tracker-2x4-rockers-frnt-bmper-4-dr-sprngs-lwered-frnt-diff-$30-steel-frnt-diff/ has description of what I experienced with different springs and spacers.  The GV rear springs I tried were smaller diameter, and needed the bump stop and bottom positioning cone modified to be used (which is why I never used them). 
I am now trying a set of YJ springs on rear, and getting easy 3" lift, bouncing on it seems close to same rate as 4 door springs.  I cut smaller end enough to allow it to go over positioning cone, and squeezed the large end in vise enough to bend it so it sets inside of upper spring mount (with rubber ring).  It is setting a little tall for the 30" tires I am using (must be a solution to that).
[/quote]

Thanks brd hntr, that was an extensive build page, and very informative.

What you end up doing to your rig, has as much to do with what can YOU do? Do you have some basic tools, a jack or two, or 4, a vise etc to do this yourself, or are you going to have to pay someone to install it? I would almost bet it would be cheaper to get a set of coils from FOA, front and rears for 75ea. New front struts, bilsteins get a good rep, and some good spacers a decent set of the correct length shock from your local whatever and you'll be golden. The only spacers you'll need are for the struts. All told around $700 plus labor for install and alignment, camber bolts etc. Good stuff and your rig will handle.  Any cheaper than that and your looking at useing stock or modified stock parts and doing it in your driveway, but you'll still need to get it aligned. Many people simply do the spacer lifts to stock parts and do just fine, and in some cases be able to hang with more highly modified rigs.
So, the question is what can you do?   

What you end up doing to your rig, has as much to do with what can YOU do? Do you have some basic tools, a jack or two, or 4, a vise etc to do this yourself, or are you going to have to pay someone to install it? I would almost bet it would be cheaper to get a set of coils from FOA, front and rears for 75ea. New front struts, bilsteins get a good rep, and some good spacers a decent set of the correct length shock from your local whatever and you'll be golden. The only spacers you'll need are for the struts. All told around $700 plus labor for install and alignment, camber bolts etc. Good stuff and your rig will handle.  Any cheaper than that and your looking at useing stock or modified stock parts and doing it in your driveway, but you'll still need to get it aligned. Many people simply do the spacer lifts to stock parts and do just fine, and in some cases be able to hang with more highly modified rigs.
So, the question is what can you do?   

Well said.

I noticed twice you said alignment.  I should have heard it the first time.  When I did my motor swap & other modifications I waited a month for the alignment, cause I wasn't sure I was done with adjustments, ect.  Front tires went from about 60-70% to about 30%, alignment cost $40, replacement tires will be $170 x 4 (I wanted bigger tires anyways - right).